The New Wood exhibition brought wood-based innovations in the heart of Brussels. More than 30 Finnish forest-based innovations were showcased at the European Commission's headquarters in Berlaymont from 26 May to 6 June 2025. VTT, as, a member of New Wood project, also participated as an exhibitor, presenting six different wood-based solutions and products.
The wood-based innovations found and developed at VTT included for example a suitcase made of cellulose-based composite material HiPer, packaging materials made of origami cardboard from the FOLD project, and the PENGUIN Project, a cellulose-based insulation material for outdoor garments with a demo-vest as a product sample.
Research and development of wood-based materials plays a strong role at VTT
VTT operates a lot of research related to wood-based materials and the utilisation of different parts of wood.
"We are researching and developing wood-based alternatives to replace fossil-based materials for the needs of the construction, textile and food industries. In addition, VTT is developing the utilisation of forest industry side streams in the production of materials, as well as the recycling and resource efficiency of wood and paper products" says Senior Researcher and the Chairperson of New Wood project, Johanna Lahti.
Read more how VTT’s wood-based coatings helped reduce microbes on surfaces in a hospital and how the MFC film made of microfibrillated cellulose, which was also on display at the New Wood exhibition, helps to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging.
Bioeconomy innovations play a strong role in strengthening the competitiveness of Finland and Europe
At the opening of the New Wood exhibition, Finland’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah, Commissioner Jessika Roswall and Commissioner Christophe Hansen highlighted that renewable raw materials and bioeconomy innovations are key to ensuring Europe's competitiveness and sustainable production. Roswall pointed out that wood is one of the oldest and most diverse natural resources, for which newer and more innovative opportunities are opening in the bioeconomy.
“Together, we can shape a circular bioeconomy that delivers for people, the planet, and our economy”, Roswall said.
The EU’s bioeconomy strategy, set to be updated this year, places circular economy, sustainability, resilience and competitiveness at its core. A public consultation on the strategy is currently ongoing.
The bioeconomy is also a significant sector for Finland. In 2023, it generated an added value of 29 billion euros, accounting for 12 percent of the value added of the national economy. According to Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah, the objective of Finland's Bioeconomy Strategy for 2022–2035 is to double the value added of the bioeconomy.
The New Wood exhibition is currently taking place in the recently opened Finlandia Exhibition at Finlandia Hall. In addition, the exhibition will tour Thailand until the end of November, and in September, the New Wood exhibition will be part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Forest Day at the Nordic Pavilion at the Osaka Expo on 25 September.
The New Wood exhibition was organized by the Finnish Forest Association, the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland. New Wood is funded by its member companies and the Finnish Forest Foundation.
VTT's wood-based innovations on New Wood -exhibition
