Karlstad University is seeking international partners for Topic 3 – Timber and Innovative Wood-Based Products, focusing on valorising forest-derived lignin into high-value, bio-based materials for low-carbon construction.

The proposed research seeks to convert lignin from the pulp, paper, and forest biorefinery industries into a functional element of advanced cementitious materials. The ambition is to create a new value pathway linking the forest-based and construction sectors, supporting resource efficiency, circular material use and competitive low-carbon materials.

Ongoing research at Karlstad University has established an experimental basis for lignin-modified concrete. Preliminary results indicate a dosage-dependent interaction between lignin and the cementitious system, highlighting the importance of optimised formulations. This provides a basis for further work on durability, modelling and industrial validation, while patent-sensitive information remains confidential.

Our cooperation interests focus on three areas:

Forest-derived lignin valorisation and material development. We seek expertise in lignin production, characterisation, modification and forest biorefinery processes. The research will examine relationships between lignin properties, mixture composition, hydration, microstructure and mechanical performance, aiming to develop robust formulations and higher-value uses for forest-sector side streams.
Predictive modelling, simulation and optimisation. Experimental data will be integrated with mathematical and numerical modelling, data-driven prediction and multi-objective optimisation to identify formulations balancing mechanical performance, durability, resource efficiency and environmental impact.
Durability, environmental performance and industrial scale-up. We seek collaboration on long-term durability, advanced material characterisation, life-cycle assessment, circularity, pilot-scale production and validation under realistic manufacturing conditions, supporting progression towards industrial implementation.

Karlstad University intends to coordinate the consortium and provide scientific leadership, with responsibility for the overall research concept, development and optimisation of lignin-based cementitious materials, experimental validation and integration of multidisciplinary activities.

We are particularly interested in partners from eligible FORESTPathways countries with expertise in forest biorefineries and lignin production, lignin chemistry, mathematical modelling and simulation, durability, life-cycle assessment, and industrial-scale production and validation.

The overarching ambition is to establish a scientifically robust and industrially relevant pathway from forest-derived lignin to high-value construction materials, strengthening links between the European forest-based and construction sectors and contributing to a more circular, resource-efficient and low-carbon bioeconomy.

Karlstad University (KaU), Sweden, has an interdisciplinary research profile that brings together forest-based bioeconomy, sustainable materials, building and construction engineering, environmental and energy systems, chemistry and chemical engineering. These competences are integrated within the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences and through Pro2BE – Processes and Products for a Circular BioEconomy, a leading research environment dedicated to the transition towards a circular economy based on renewable and forest-derived resources.
A particular strength of KaU is its ability to connect fundamental and applied research across the forest-based value chain. Research within Pro2BE covers bio-based materials, utilisation and valorisation of industrial side streams, process development, sustainable production, life-cycle and systems analysis, and industry-oriented innovation. The university also develops novel material concepts based on lignocellulosic resources and has experience in converting forest residues into higher-value products, supported by environmental and techno-economic assessment. This includes international collaboration on forest-residue valorisation and biorefinery pathways.

Within Building and Construction Engineering, KaU conducts research on sustainable construction materials and resource-efficient solutions for the built environment. Current activities include experimental development of lignin-modified cementitious materials, with capabilities in mixture design, casting, controlled curing, mechanical testing and microstructural analysis. This provides a direct scientific interface between forest-derived resources and low-carbon construction materials, enabling lignin and other forest-industry side streams to be explored as functional components in technically demanding, large-volume applications.

KaU’s interdisciplinary environment also supports modelling, sustainability assessment and translation of laboratory findings towards practical application. Pro2BE is complemented by open testbeds and close collaboration with companies and regional and national actors in the forest-based bioeconomy, creating favourable conditions for research that links material innovation with industrial needs.
Together, these capabilities enable research across the pathway from forest-derived resources and industrial side streams, through material development and experimental validation, to sustainability assessment, optimisation and industry-oriented scale-up. This combination is highly relevant to FORESTPathways Topic 3, where KaU can contribute a strong interface between forest-resource valorisation and advanced construction materials. In the proposed consortium, Karlstad University intends to act as project coordinator and scientific lead, integrating multidisciplinary expertise and ensuring coherence from scientific concept to validated application.