The Horizon Europe project’s CoE LignoSilva uses advanced technologies such as 3D CT wood scanning to drive innovation in Europe’s forestry wood sector.
The forest sector is entering a new era. Digital technologies, sustainable materials and circular bioeconomy principles are redefining the way wood is produced, processed and used across Europe. As industry increasingly looks to renewable resources to replace fossil-based materials, wood has emerged as one of the most strategic materials for the transition to a low-carbon economy.
At the heart of this transformation stands the Center of Excellence LignoSilva, a research and innovation hub designed to enhance technological progress and industrial competitiveness in the forestry and timber sector.
Established within the Horizon Europe project “Upgrading the Center of Excellence LignoSilva”, the initiative focuses on modernizing research infrastructure, strengthening scientific excellence and accelerating innovation across the forest-based value chain. The project is coordinated by the Slovak National Forest Center in collaboration with the Pulp and Paper Research Institute and the internationally recognized German Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research Wilhelm Klauditz Institute (WKI).
These institutions combine regional expertise with Europe-leading research capabilities to tackle some of the most pressing technical and environmental challenges facing the forestry, wood processing and pulp and paper industries.
Unleashing the potential of the forest sector
The forest-based sector plays a key role in Europe’s transition to sustainable production systems. Wood is one of the most versatile renewable materials available today and can replace fossil-based resources in construction, packaging, energy production, and advanced biomaterials.
However, simply increasing production is not enough to fully unlock this potential. This requires innovation, digitization and smarter resource management across the value chain.
The mission of the LignoSilva Center of Excellence is to support this transformation by bridging scientific research and industrial practice. The center aims to accelerate the development of practical solutions for the forestry and timber sector by introducing the latest research management approaches and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
Digital transformation is a key element of this process. Concepts such as Forestry 4.0 and Pulp and Paper 4.0 bring advanced data analytics, automation, and intelligent monitoring systems to traditional resource-based industries. These technologies enable increased productivity, optimized resource use and reduced environmental impact across the value chain.
The ultimate goal is to create a research and innovation ecosystem that can provide solutions not only to businesses but also to policy makers and society. LignoSilva will contribute to the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of Europe’s forest sector by strengthening cooperation between science, industry and public stakeholders.
Innovation across the value chain
One of the features of LignoSilva is its integrated approach. Rather than focusing on a single segment of the industry, the center addresses the entire forest-based value chain, from forest ecosystems to industrial production and materials recycling.
Its research and innovation program is built around three strategic pillars, each targeting a key area of technology development.
Intelligent technology for wood production and processing
The first research pillar focuses on technologies that improve the efficiency, transparency and sustainability of wood production and industrial processing.
Researchers are developing digital forest inventory systems, advanced monitoring tools, and high-precision scanning techniques that enable detailed analysis of wood resources and their properties. These tools support better forest management decisions and enable companies to optimize the use of raw materials.
One of the most innovative technologies being introduced is 3D CT scanning of logs. This technology allows researchers and industrial partners to analyze the internal structure of wood before processing begins. By detecting hidden defects, density variations, and structural features, sawmills can optimize cutting strategies, minimize waste, and increase material yield.
Combined with digital traceability systems that monitor the flow of wood from the forest to the final product, these technologies represent a major step towards smart, automated wood processing systems in line with Industry 4.0 principles.
Sustainable pulp and paper technology
The second research pillar addresses the growing demand for sustainable materials, particularly in the packaging sector.
Pulp and paper technology is becoming increasingly important as governments and industry seek alternatives to plastic packaging. LignoSilva researchers develop biodegradable packaging materials, specialty papers, and advanced paper-based products with enhanced functional properties.
These innovations include barrier papers for food packaging, antimicrobial paper surfaces, and advanced paper structures designed for intelligent packaging solutions. Such materials have the potential to replace traditional plastic packaging in a wide range of applications.
To support these developments, the Center operates an experimental pilot facility where new materials and technologies can be tested under industrial conditions. These pilot plants play an important role in bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial production, allowing companies to evaluate new technologies before investing in full-scale implementation.
Recycling technology and circular bioeconomy solutions
The third research pillar focuses on circular economy approaches that enable efficient recycling and reuse of biomass residues.
The research program explores innovative ways to recycle wood waste, cellulose sludge and wood ash and turn them into valuable secondary resources that can be reintroduced into production systems.
One promising direction is the development of fertilizer additives derived from pulp sludge and wood ash that can be used in forestry and agroforestry systems. These solutions help end material cycles while reducing the environmental impact associated with waste disposal.
By integrating recycling technologies into forest-based value chains, LignoSilva directly supports the development of a circular bioeconomy where renewable resources are used efficiently, sustainably and repeatedly.
From research to real-world impact
Innovation doesn’t stop at the lab. A key element of the LignoSilva approach is the implementation of demonstration cases designed to translate research results into practical applications.
These demonstration activities integrate multiple research programs and allow technology to be tested in a real industrial environment. Through these testbeds, companies, researchers, and stakeholders can evaluate emerging technologies before large-scale deployment.
Examples include digital forest inventory systems, CT-based smart lumber technologies, biodegradable packaging solutions, and advanced recycling processes.
By providing pilot infrastructure, technology lines, and specialized research services, the center creates an environment in which innovations can move quickly from scientific discovery to industrial deployment.
Strengthening the European research ecosystem
Beyond technological innovation, LignoSilva also aims to strengthen the research ecosystem in Central and Eastern Europe.
The project promotes scientific excellence through international collaboration, researcher mobility, and recruitment of top experts. Cooperation with institutions such as Fraunhofer WKI provides access to advanced research networks and opportunities for knowledge exchange.
At the same time, the center is investing in the next generation of researchers. PhD programs, research internships, and training initiatives are helping to build new scientific capacity in the forestry sector and strengthen cooperation between academia and industry.
Looking to the future
The long-term ambitions of the LignoSilva Center of Excellence are clear. It is to become Europe’s leading hub for research and innovation in the forest sector.
The center helps accelerate the transformation of the forestry, wood, pulp and paper industry by combining advanced technology, interdisciplinary research and strong industry partnerships.
As digitalisation, sustainability and circular economy principles reshape industrial production around the world, initiatives like LignoSilva demonstrate how research centers can drive meaningful change.
The Center is helping to move the forestry and timber sector firmly into the 21st century through an integrated approach, from forest ecosystems to advanced materials and recycling technologies.
Disclaimer
The LignoSilva project was supported by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence action. [Grant Agreement #101059552].
Please note: This is a commercial profile
This article will be featured in an upcoming Circular Economy Special Focus Publication.
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