Washes and Thrives
Fraunhofer WKI – Institute for Wood Research: Bioeconomy and Circular Economy
Human development has always been closely linked to the use of natural resources. Until now, population growth has largely gone hand in hand with increasing resource consumption. This stands in contrast to the finite nature of Earth’s resources. Over recent decades, the economic system in Germany and the EU has gradually shifted from a “produce–consume–dispose” model towards a circular economy. In this system, materials from various product sectors are increasingly recovered, recycled, and reused.
Although wood is considered a renewable resource, it should remain in the material cycle beyond its initial product life cycle and be reused in sustainable, resource-efficient applications whenever possible. This reduces waste and emissions, conserves resources, and at the same time unlocks economic potential.
The positive climate effect of using wood and paper products arises from the carbon storage during tree growth. Substitution effects further strengthen this impact: wood and paper can replace conventional raw materials with higher energy requirements in equivalent product systems (material substitution) or substitute fossil resources as energy carriers (energetic substitution).
Research Questions
The Fraunhofer WKI addresses future-oriented questions regarding the circular economy.
For research and questions here: