‘’Innovation in forestry biomass residue processing: towards circular forestry with added value products – Ceforestry’’
Significant amounts of unused forestry biomass — including bark, needles, cones, and other materials — are accumulating across the Baltic Sea region. While countries in the region employ various methods to process these residual resources, the level of technological development and innovation varies considerably between states. Currently, forestry by-products are predominantly used for the production of lower value-added outputs, such as bioenergy. However, forestry biomass has far greater potential: it can serve as a raw material for recovering high-value components and ingredients with a broad range of industrial and commercial applications.
The primary goal of the CEforestry project is to develop new, innovative solutions based on circular economy principles for the biorefining of forestry residues. This will be achieved by fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among countries and stakeholders in the Baltic Sea region — including entrepreneurs, research institutions, and forestry experts.
The solutions developed within the project will be tested and demonstrated at a pilot scale, accompanied by the creation of a bioeconomy-driven circular business model. This model will help entrepreneurs navigate the transition toward sustainable innovation, supporting the development of new, value-added products derived from forestry biomass residues.
Project Information
- Official project website: https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/ceforestry-interreg-baltic-sea-region/
- Project duration: 03/2023 – 02/2026
- Lead Partner: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Sweden)
- Project Main Coordinator: Mehrdad Arshadi (mehrdad.arshadi@slu.se)
- University of Latvia Coordinator: Linards Klavins (linards.klavins@lu.lv)
Project Partners:
- Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania)
- Centria University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
- Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland)
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Finland)
- JSC Biolat (Latvia)
- Bimala Ltd. (Lithuania)
- Umea University (Sweden)
- University of Latvia (Latvia)
- Finnish Forest Centre (Finland)
- Aalto University (Finland)
- GreenBack Ltd. (Poland)
Funding
- Total budget: €2.36 million
- European Regional Development Fund contribution: €1.89 million
The CEforestry project (Project ID: #C023) is co-financed by the European Union’s Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021–2027.
You can download project presentation here
You can download project brochure here
Powering Green Innovation with Forest Biomass: CEforestry Unlocks Bioeconomy Potential
Forests are not only the lungs of our planet — they are also the foundation of tomorrow’s green innovations.
The CEforestry project, led by Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Biolat, as one of the projet partners, is at the forefront of developing a resilient, circular bioeconomy by transforming forestry residues into high-value products
What is CEforestry?
CEforestry is an international initiative focused on the sustainable use of forest biomass and the development of the green bioeconomy.
By researching biorefinery technologies and circular business models, CEforestry seeks to turn side streams like bark, sawdust, and conifer needles into valuable, eco-friendly materials.
Learn more: https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/ceforestry/
New Insights: Forestry Residues as Market Drivers
The latest CEforestry market research highlights rapidly growing opportunities in sectors such as:
- Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals
- Functional foods & Nutraceuticals
- Bio-based chemicals & Green adhesives
Consumers are increasingly seeking natural, sustainable products — and ingredients derived from forest biomass, such as tannins, are now in demand for use in biocides, adhesives, antioxidants, and more. Through integrated biorefineries, forestry residues can be processed in cascading steps: first extracting valuable compounds, and then utilizing the remaining biomass for energy or soil enhancement. This circular approach maximizes resource use while minimizing waste — a key principle of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.
How You Can Get Involved
Are you a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), research institute, or forest sector expert?
CEforestry invites you to become part of its dynamic network!
Participation benefits include:
- Access to cutting-edge research on forest biomass utilization.
- Opportunities to engage in seminars, webinars, and expert discussions.
- Networking with innovative businesses and organizations across the Baltic Sea region.
Be a part of shaping a greener, more resilient future!
Explore project opportunities and contact us on https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/ceforestry/.
Shaping a Climate-Smart Future
Through the CEforestry project, the Nordic and Baltic regions can lead Europe in the transition to a climate-smart, resource-efficient bioeconomy.
By elevating forest residues from waste to sustainable assets, we can drive economic growth while preserving natural ecosystems for generations to come.
Join the movement — together we can build the future of green innovation.
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