Ecological aspects


Products made of wood and their production should not harm the environment nor impact human health. For this purpose, we cooperate intensively with the business community on developing alternative wood preservatives or coatings as well as ecological solutions in water flows in the paper industry. Our research also focuses on emissions from construction products and the well-being of people indoors. In doing so, we work with microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, fungi and insects, using molecular biological methods for DNA analysis, and we use emission measuring chambers in conjunction with our chemical analytical laboratory. VOC in indoor air, airborne germs, and dust are also measured in rooms intended for living in.

design-element

Environmentally friendly materials

We conduct research in environmentally neutral materials to protect wood in order to make innovative technologies available whenever substances such as biocides, pigments, binders, solvents, or additives are restricted or prohibited by the authorities. The goals are sufficient biological effectiveness, good penetration and fixation as well as high weather resistance of wood preservatives, lacquers and glazes, with raw materials derived from renewable resources and showing a low environmental impact.

Ecotoxicological evaluation

Wood products and processes in pulp and paper production are improved in terms of their ecological relevance. Water samples from facilities or from leaching tests in weathering are examined for their ecotoxicity towards luminous bacteria, algae and water fleas. Water samples, wood samples, and soil samples are used to analyse material flows by means of chemical analyses.

Quality of indoor air

The air quality in living and working spaces is important for people's health. We research indoor air with a focus on emissions of formaldehyde, VOC, airborne germs and dust. For this, we analyse connections with emissions under controlled laboratory conditions.

Contact Person


Ecotoxicology, paper and pulp


Mag.a Andrea Steitz

P:+43 1 798 26 23-37
E:Get in touch

Wood preservatives, biological effectiveness


Mag.a Notburga Pfabigan

P:+43 1 798 26 23-23
E:Get in touch

Chemical biocide analytics, material flow


DI (FH) Christina Fürhapper

P:+43 1 798 26 23-52
E:Get in touch

Emissions and indoor air quality


Mag. Elisabeth Habla

P:+43 1 798 26 23-22
E:Get in touch

Our services


Indoor air and emission measurements

Air samples are obtained in chambers, with a FLEC cell, or in-situ, for example in the living or working area. Emission sources are examined, and VOC and formaldehyde are identified and quantified.

Wood preservatives

In our biological laboratory, we research the effectiveness of wood preservatives and treatment methods against wood-destroying insects and fungi, wood-staining fungi, mould, and algae.

Molecular biology

Species and quantity of microorganisms are determined using molecular biological techniques based on the available DNA. Biofilm on surfaces can thus be identified, quantified and monitored.

Ecotoxicology

Water samples are examined for their ecotoxicity with respect to luminous bacteria, algae and water fleas. Washing water from the field or laboratory or process water are the subject of assessments.

Chemical analysis

Analyses are carried out in solid or liquid samples, such as coatings, wood preservatives, treated wood, or process water. Gas measuring cells, chambers, and air sampling devices exist for VOC and fine dust.

Paper and pulp

Focal points are the environmental impact of process waste water, bleaching processes and complexing agents as well as microbiological studies in the paper manufacturing process using molecular biological processes.

Cooperative projects


Grade2New

Wood is widely recognized as a competitive renewable raw material for construction products. To maintain and improve this unique selling position, Europe is pushing the…

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ErKa

Qualification initiative for (thermal) upgrade of double windows

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TreeGuard

Climate changes are leading to increased (re)forestation in our forests. As a result, the demand for tree shelters, especially alternative, biodegradable ones, is…

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SuperBark

Softwood bark is a by-product of the timber industry that is currently mostly used to produce energy and heat. In the project SuperBark, phenolic components and cellulose…

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Terrasse digital

Decking e.g. for terraces and balconies is one of the most important and at the same time a very challenging application for wood in outdoor areas. The variety of…

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TimberLoop

Due to the further CO2 storage and resource savings in each new life cycle, its high availability and many synergistic effects, construction timber from previous use has…

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dataholz_build_up

The aim of the project is to further develop the digitization of the online component catalog into a multifunctional planning tool. A thematic focus is on the analysis,…

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HyPELignum

The European project „HyPELignum“ under the coordination of RISE (SWE) focusses on the development of printed electronics on wood and wood-based materials. Use-cases…

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Bauen mit Laubholz

Project purpose is to establish foundations for an effective use of local hardwoods as construction products. Priorities are to develop new processing methods to increase…

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Mindwood

Functional inkjet printing for smart wooden construction elements with integrated monitoring

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Available infrastructure:


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