CoE LignoSilva, a Horizon Europe project, drives innovation in the European forestry-wood sector through the use of advanced technologies such as 3D CT wood scanning
The forest-based sector is entering a new era. Digital technologies, sustainable materials, and circular bioeconomy principles are redefining how wood is produced, processed and used across Europe. As industries increasingly turn to renewable resources to replace fossil-based materials, wood is emerging as one of the most strategic materials for the transition to a low-carbon economy.
At the centre of this transformation stands the Centre of Excellence LignoSilva, a research and innovation hub designed to strengthen technological progress and industrial competitiveness in the forestry-wood sector.
Established within the Horizon Europe project ‘Upgrade of the Centre of Excellence LignoSilva’, the initiative focuses on modernising research infrastructure, strengthening scientific excellence and accelerating innovation across the entire forest-based value chain. The project is coordinated by the National Forest Centre in Slovakia, in partnership with the Pulp and Paper Research Institute and the internationally recognised Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research – Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institute (WKI) in Germany.
Together, these institutions combine regional expertise with leading European research capacity to tackle some of the most pressing technological and environmental challenges facing the forestry, wood processing and pulp and paper industries.
Unlocking the potential of the forest-based sector
The forest-based sector plays a critical role in Europe’s transition towards sustainable production systems. Wood is one of the most versatile renewable materials available today, capable of replacing fossil-based resources in construction, packaging, energy production, and advanced biomaterials.
Yet, fully unlocking this potential requires more than simply increasing production. It requires innovation, digitalisation and smarter resource management across the entire value chain.
The mission of the LignoSilva Centre of Excellence is to support this transformation by bridging scientific research with industrial practice. By introducing modern research management approaches and strengthening cooperation between academia and industry, the centre aims to accelerate the development of practical solutions for the forestry-wood sector.
Digital transformation is a key element of this process. Concepts such as Forestry 4.0 and Pulp & Paper 4.0 bring advanced data analysis, automation and intelligent monitoring systems into traditionally resource-based industries. These technologies make it possible to improve productivity, optimise resource use and reduce environmental impacts throughout the value chain.
The ultimate goal is to create a research and innovation ecosystem capable of delivering solutions not only for companies, but also for policymakers and society. By strengthening cooperation between science, industry and public stakeholders, LignoSilva contributes to the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the European forest-based sector.
Innovation across the entire value chain
One of the defining features of LignoSilva is its integrated approach. Rather than focusing on a single segment of the industry, the centre addresses the entire forest-based value chain — from forest ecosystems to industrial production and material recycling.
Its research and innovation programme is built around three strategic pillars, each targeting a critical area of technological development.
Intelligent technologies 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 technologies that enable detailed analysis of wood resources and their properties. These tools support better forest management decisions and allow companies to optimise the use of raw materials.
One of the most innovative technologies being deployed is 3D CT scanning of logs. This technology allows researchers and industrial partners to analyse the internal structure of wood before processing begins. By detecting hidden defects, density variations and structural characteristics, sawmills can optimise cutting strategies, minimise waste, and increase material yield.
Combined with digital traceability systems that monitor wood flow from forest to final product, these technologies represent a major step toward smart and automated wood processing systems aligned with Industry 4.0 principles.
Sustainable pulp and paper technologies
The second research pillar addresses the growing demand for sustainable materials, particularly in the packaging sector.
As governments and industries seek alternatives to plastic packaging, pulp and paper technologies are becoming increasingly important. LignoSilva researchers are developing biodegradable packaging materials, speciality 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 conventional plastic packaging in a wide range of applications.
To support these developments, the centre operates experimental pilot facilities 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, enabling companies to evaluate new technologies before investing in full-scale implementation.
Recycling technologies and circular bioeconomy solutions
The third research pillar focuses on circular economy approaches that enable the efficient recycling and reuse of biomass residues.
Research programmes explore innovative methods for recycling wood waste, cellulose sludge and wood ash, transforming them into valuable secondary resources that can be reintroduced into production systems.
One promising direction is the development of fertiliser additives derived from pulp sludge and wood ash, which can be used in forestry and agroforestry systems. These solutions help close material cycles while reducing environmental impacts associated with waste disposal.
By integrating recycling technologies into the forest-based value chain, 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 does not stop in the laboratory. A key element of the LignoSilva approach is the implementation of demonstration cases designed to translate research results into practical applications.
These demonstration activities bring together multiple research programmes and allow technologies to be tested in real-world industrial environments. Through these testbeds, companies, researchers and stakeholders can evaluate emerging technologies before their large-scale adoption.
Examples include digital forest inventory systems, CT-based smart sawmill technologies, biodegradable packaging solutions and advanced recycling processes.
By providing pilot infrastructures, technological lines and specialised research services, the centre creates an environment where innovations can move rapidly from scientific discovery to industrial deployment.
Strengthening Europe’s 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 the recruitment of leading experts. Cooperation with institutions such as Fraunhofer WKI provides access to advanced research networks and knowledge exchange opportunities.
At the same time, the centre is investing in the next generation of researchers. Doctoral programmes, research internships and training initiatives are helping to build new scientific capacities for the forest-based sector and strengthen cooperation between academia and industry.
Looking ahead
The long-term ambition of the LignoSilva Centre of Excellence is clear: to become a leading European hub for research and innovation in the forest-based sector.
By combining advanced technologies, interdisciplinary research and strong industry partnerships, the centre is helping to accelerate the transformation of the forestry-wood and pulp and paper industries.
As digitalisation, sustainability and circular economy principles reshape industrial production worldwide, initiatives like LignoSilva demonstrate how research centres can drive meaningful change.
Through its integrated approach — from forest ecosystems to advanced materials and recycling technologies — the centre is helping move the forestry-wood sector firmly into the 21st century.
Disclaimer
The LignoSilva project was supported by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence action [Grant Agreement #101059552].
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