Final results of the NewWave project

After 4 years of activity, our project comes to an end. During a workshop held in Izola (Slovenia) in March 2026 we presented the main results of our work. You find the whole presentation here, below you can find an executive summary of what was presented

  • Biomass Technology Group presented the project’s core technology, Thermo Chemical Fractionation (TCF) able to split Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil (FPBO) into fractionations. They demonstrated the operation of a demo plant capable of processing 120 kg/h of bio-oil, separating it into pyrolytic lignin and sugars, which are ready to be used as raw materials for other production lines.
  • Foresa Technologies demonstrated the production of engineered wood panels (plywood and MDF). They developed bio-resins by replacing fossil-based phenol with lignin and formaldehyde with HMF, successfully producing panels that meet Class 1 and Class 2 technical standards.
  • Foreco & InnoRenew presented results related to modified wood for outdoor use. Through impregnation with bio-oil-based formulations, they improved the durability of species such as pine and beech, testing their resistance to weathering and fungi using a real-scale architectural model (mock-up).
  • AEP Polymers illustrated the integration of green chemicals into polyurethanes. They utilized bio-based glycols and polyols derived from wood sugars to formulate insulation foams and adhesives for CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) panels, achieving mechanical performance comparable to fossil-derived products.
  • Transfurans Chemicals focused on furan chemistry, optimizing hydrogenation processes to produce chemical intermediates and green solvents. They reached a commercial maturity level of TRL 9 for products such as 2-MeTHF and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, which are now ready for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries.
  • To ensure the proper treatment, valorisation, and reuse of wastewaters generated in TCF and ML1 production lines, Avecom developed and optimised dedicated wastewater treatment trains. For TCF, high-value production of methane was accomplished by treating the wastewaters in an anaerobic plant after urea pre-treatment. The final effluent could reach discharge or reuse limits via aerobic treatment and/or activated carbon adsorption. For the first manufacturing line, the optimized treatment train demonstrated that hydrotreatment transformed toxic compounds into highly biodegradable ones, high methane production and COD removal were achieved at high loading rates, and water reuse was possible via aerobic post-treatment.

Results Summaries

#1 New steps in the modification of wood, utilizing sustainable formulations

#2 Ensuring the circularity of wood products for the construction industry

#3 Revolutionizing Construction through Green Chemistry

#4 New Insights into Wood modification

Demo unit pictures

Eight bio-based plywood-polyurethane composite panels were installed, covering a total surface area of 2 m² to evaluate their thermal and acoustic performance compared to fossil-based materials.

The composite panels are integrated alongside MDF, CLT, and modified wood cladding prepared from Radiata pine, Scots pine, European beech, and Sycamore maple to demonstrate the combined performance of materials developed across the manufacturing lines.

To prevent corrosion and discoloration, conventional screws were inserted from the non-visible side. Due to the brittleness of the modified wood (especially the beech), pre-drilling was necessary to prevent cracking.

The structure serves as a test site for biological durability and UV stability, demonstrating the technical feasibility of an entirely bio-based and recyclable construction value chain.

The pictures show the mockup structure built using the products developed within NewWave.

Technical showcase: the NewWave mockups

The mockups presented by InnoRenew CoE (located at their headquarters in Izola, Slovenia) consist of an outdoor demonstration structure designed to test and showcase the integration of bio-based materials developed within the NewWave project under real-world conditions.

The core of the presentation focuses on the configuration of four wall types (Wall 1–4), each featuring a different combination of innovative technologies:

  • Wall 1: Features external cladding made of Scots pine modified with bio-oil (FPBO). The internal structure includes spruce beams, MDF panels with bio-resin, mineral wool insulation, and spruce CLT components bonded with bio-based PUR adhesives.
  • Wall 2: Utilizes modified beech cladding. It includes an internal gypsum plasterboard layer, jute insulation, protective membranes, and beech CLT.
  • Wall 3: Distinguished by the use of a bio-based sandwich panel (wood-polyurethane) and a mixed external cladding of modified maple and radiata pine.
  • Wall 4: Integrates poplar CLT, sheep wool insulation, and modified radiata pine cladding, in addition to the bio-based sandwich panels.