Material use of wood as a renewable resource is of significant value in our society. Wood also has an important impact on protecting our climate and environment. Sustainability, resource efficiency, product quality, and innovation are important aspects addressed by the Thünen Institute of Wood Research.
Our research aims at the ecological and economically optimized production of wood-based materials and the sustainable use of wood. The diverse relationships between material use of wood and environmental protection, responsible utilization of wood resources, working and living environment, as well as aspects of health and consumer protection are considered. We are the leading national institute in wood identification; in this context we also assist the authorities in their actions against the trade of protected wood species and illegally logged timber. We consider the impact of predicted climate change on wood quality and we support an extended use of wood to mitigate CO2-emissions by substitution. Our expertise covers the entire wood sector. It provides well-based advice and solutions for policy, society, associations and industry. We do interdisciplinary research and cooperate closely with the Department of Wood Science at the University of Hamburg.
- We assess the quality of wood and wood products and we are a leading institution for wood identification.
- We work on technologies to optimize bio-based ground and construction materials and to improve raw material efficiency.
- We develop innovative products.
- We conduct life cycle assessments to quantify and evaluate the impact on the environment and climate resulting from wood utilization, in particular considering the requirements of the national greenhouse gas reporting system.
- We investigate and evaluate health aspects related to the use of natural, modified, and preservative-treated wood.
- We generate knowledge on the natural durability of wood and wood products.