INFO
We want to make a difference – by preserving nature, protecting the environment, and shaping the future
The potential for the use of hardwood throughout the wood value chain is far from exhausted. Deciduous trees account for 70 percent of the natural rejuvenation of forest in Baden-Württemberg, and the proportion is increasing. Until now, however, only 30 percent of hardwood has been used as material for construction and furniture. And TLH has also identified major innovation gaps, particularly in the field of renewable raw materials. This is driving the development of applications for wood as a raw material that were almost unimaginable not so long ago.
For this reason, the natural raw material should be recycled as many times as possible before being burned as an energy source. This approach can achieve economic benefits while reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, cutting costs and increasing added value. Ideally, the raw material should be recycled at least until a new tree has sequestrated the quantity of CO2 that will be emitted by the burning of the previously used tree. That is why accelerated development is necessary to bring innovative high-quality hardwood products to market as quickly as possible.
What is Technikum Laubholz?
Technikum Laubholz (TLH) is an independent, non-university research institute that was newly founded in spring 2020 on the initiative of the state of Baden-Württemberg under the auspices of the Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection.
Its mission is to accelerate the development of innovative high-quality applications for hardwood and to position Baden-Württemberg as an international leader in the use of hardwood-based raw materials.
We see ourselves as a creative driver linking basic research and applied research. This hybrid approach allows abstract and creative visions to be quickly combined with real inventions, processes and market-ready products.
What are the criteria for TLH work?
Technikum Laubholz GmbH is funded by the state. Third-party funding, contract research, license fees and spin-offs are intended to gradually reduce the proportion of state funding until Technikum Laubholz operates as an entrepreneur. To this end, interdisciplinary teams close the gap between basic research and industrial use and develop processes and pilot plants on a scale suitable for industrial applications. Flat hierarchies and the greatest possible freedom create the environment necessary for application-oriented research. Click here to find out more about the work environment.
What fields of research is Technikum Laubholz involved in?
Technikum Laubholz has defined eight fields of research. Initially, its work is focused on the four fields: Fiber-Based Materials, Biotec Conversion, Wood Pulping Process and Packaging Materials. The fields Timber | Paper | Panels, Lightweight Construction, Smart Manufacturing and Energy Storage will be launched at a later stage. Individual projects are assigned to the fields of research. Click here to find out more about the work environment.
What is TLH’s Unique Selling Proposition?
The potential for the use of hardwood throughout the wood value chain is far from exhausted. But Baden-Württemberg has what it takes to change this – namely forest, research expertise, and a thriving startup ecosystem. TLH has also identified major innovation gaps, particularly in the field of renewable raw materials. As we try to close one gap after another quickly and intelligently, we are opening up new areas of application for wood that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
What led to the foundation of TLH
The first discussions about an independent research institute focusing on the use of hardwood as a resource arose as a result of the state of Baden-Württemberg’s climate adaptation strategy. In it, the state government called for increased use of hardwood, and a shift toward using it as a raw material rather than simply burning it. In 2016, the establishment of Technikum Laubholz was adopted as part of the state government’s coalition agreement. After intensive preparations, this led to the official implementation of the project on March 30, 2020 under the auspices of the Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection.
Who does the Technikum Laubholz work with?
Future scientific exchange and advances in key technologies would be difficult without cooperation partners. That is why, alongside its research and project work, Technikum Laubholz sees itself as a hub for scientific exchange. TLH has cooperation partners both in the scientific community and in industry. Other partners are government institutes that can contribute extensive know-how, particularly in the area of forestry.
What is TLH’s mission?
We want to use hardwood species, some with special properties, as feedstock for long-term raw material cycles, thus making an effective contribution to climate protection through increased carbon sequestration. That is why accelerated development is essential to bring innovative high-quality hardwood products to market as quickly as possible. TLH’s mission is to position Baden-Württemberg as an international leader in the use of hardwood-based materials.
Where is Technikum Laubholz headquartered?
Technikum Laubholz is initially headquartered in premises in Göppingen.
