Author: Rodrigo Mendes

Developing lightweight, high-performance biocomposites from natural raw materials

Advanced BioComposites (ABC) is a technology company developing sustainable composite materials for industrial manufacturing. Its biocomposites, produced from wood, natural fibres, and bio-based resins, achieve mechanical strength equivalent to technical metals such as aluminium while weighing less than one-third as much. These materials are fully recyclable and compostable, offering a low-carbon alternative to conventional composites and metals. Building on more than 16 years of R&D by Txirbil Koop. E., ABC applies its technology to sectors such as mobility, renewable energy, and sports equipment. The company supports manufacturing partners in integrating bio-based composites into production processes to promote decarbonisation, resource efficiency, and circular design.

Contact information

Aitzol Fernández Aguirrezabala, R&D responsible, Advanced BioComposites (Basque Country, Spain)

📧 igb @ txirbil.com | 🔗 Personal LinkedIn 🌐 Website

Impact sector

• Industry and manufacturing
• Transport and mobility
• Renewable energy

Innovation type

• Product innovation

Biomass type

• Wood

Learn more

Advanced BioComposites (ABC) is a technology company developing sustainable composite materials for industrial manufacturing.

Alcorke Playground is a circular economy project led by the Institut Català del Suro Foundation that gives a second life to used natural cork stoppers.

Voodin Blade Technology develops wind turbine blades using LVL, an alternative to conventional fibreglass and carbon-composite blades.

Roka Furadada specialises in the development of innovative molecules and active ingredients for use in cosmetics and personal care.

Bagaceira develops innovative bio-based materials using sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue from sugar and alcohol production.

Boreal Bioproducts is a biorefinery startup that produces bio-based chemical extracts from forest-industry side streams such as sawdust and bark.

RMT Insulation develops natural insulation solutions using renewable natural fibres as alternatives to synthetic materials.

This innovation focuses on producing mycelium-based biocomposite (MBB) insulation panels using waste wood as the primary feedstock.

Sebastia is a timber construction company with roots in a family wood-working tradition dating back to 1954.

ParaStruct works to decarbonise the construction industry by applying circular economy principles to building materials.

Upcycles used cork stoppers into sustainable materials for urban tree pits and playground pavements

Alcorke Playground is a circular economy project led by the Institut Català del Suro Foundation that gives a second life to used natural cork stoppers. Cork waste is collected, shredded, and combined with binders to create material suitable for tree surrounds and playground pavement applications. The project aims to replace non-renewable raw materials currently used in urban spaces, such as gravel and metals, with a renewable and biodegradable alternative. Supported by the Waste Agency of Catalonia, Alcorke seeks to reduce environmental impact, promote cork reuse, and advance sustainable urban design practices in Catalonia.

Contact information

Ester Campmajó, R+D+I Technician, IC Suro (Catalonia, Spain)

📧 ecampmajo @ icsuro.com 🌐 Website

Impact sector

• Circular economy
• Recreation, well-being and eco-tourism

Innovation type

• Product innovation

Biomass type

• Industry side streams
• Non-wood forest products

Learn more

Advanced BioComposites (ABC) is a technology company developing sustainable composite materials for industrial manufacturing.

Alcorke Playground is a circular economy project led by the Institut Català del Suro Foundation that gives a second life to used natural cork stoppers.

Voodin Blade Technology develops wind turbine blades using LVL, an alternative to conventional fibreglass and carbon-composite blades.

Roka Furadada specialises in the development of innovative molecules and active ingredients for use in cosmetics and personal care.

Bagaceira develops innovative bio-based materials using sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue from sugar and alcohol production.

Boreal Bioproducts is a biorefinery startup that produces bio-based chemical extracts from forest-industry side streams such as sawdust and bark.

RMT Insulation develops natural insulation solutions using renewable natural fibres as alternatives to synthetic materials.

This innovation focuses on producing mycelium-based biocomposite (MBB) insulation panels using waste wood as the primary feedstock.

Sebastia is a timber construction company with roots in a family wood-working tradition dating back to 1954.

ParaStruct works to decarbonise the construction industry by applying circular economy principles to building materials.

Wooden wind turbine blades that cut costs and carbon emissions in wind energy production

Voodin Blade Technology develops and manufactures wind turbine blades using Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) as a wood-based alternative to conventional fibreglass and carbon-composite blades. The materials are sourced from certified forests, and the blades are designed to be recyclable at the end of life, offering potential reductions in waste and embodied carbon. The company uses an automated, mould-free manufacturing approach that aims to lower capital and production costs compared to standard composite blade processes. This method also allows for flexible production of different blade sizes on the same line, including retrofit blades for existing turbines. By combining bio-based materials with adaptable manufacturing processes, Voodin Blade Technologies is working to advance circularity and reduce environmental impacts in the wind energy sector.

Contact information

Gustavo Lasierra, Founder and Chief Automation Officer, Voodin Blade Technologies (Germany)

📧 gustavo@voodin-blades.com | 🔗 Personal LinkedIn 🔗 Company LinkedIn 🌐 Website

Impact sector

• Renewable energy
• Industry and manufacturing
• Green building and construction

Innovation type

• Product innovation

Biomass type

• Wood

Learn more

Advanced BioComposites (ABC) is a technology company developing sustainable composite materials for industrial manufacturing.

Alcorke Playground is a circular economy project led by the Institut Català del Suro Foundation that gives a second life to used natural cork stoppers.

Voodin Blade Technology develops wind turbine blades using LVL, an alternative to conventional fibreglass and carbon-composite blades.

Roka Furadada specialises in the development of innovative molecules and active ingredients for use in cosmetics and personal care.

Bagaceira develops innovative bio-based materials using sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue from sugar and alcohol production.

Boreal Bioproducts is a biorefinery startup that produces bio-based chemical extracts from forest-industry side streams such as sawdust and bark.

RMT Insulation develops natural insulation solutions using renewable natural fibres as alternatives to synthetic materials.

This innovation focuses on producing mycelium-based biocomposite (MBB) insulation panels using waste wood as the primary feedstock.

Sebastia is a timber construction company with roots in a family wood-working tradition dating back to 1954.

ParaStruct works to decarbonise the construction industry by applying circular economy principles to building materials.

Lignin-based bio-active ingredients for sustainable skin and hair care formulations

Roka Furadada specialises in the development of innovative molecules and active ingredients for use in cosmetics and personal care. The company has introduced ROKA CIRKLE®, a bio-based ingredient line that valorises lignin from the wood and pulp industry into functional cosmetic actives. The range includes Sotabosk for skin applications and Kanigo for scalp and hair care. These ingredients are produced using upcycled lignin from forestry and pulp side-streams, replacing fossil-derived or resource-intense synthetic actives. Sotabosk supports skin microbiome balance, antioxidant protection, film-forming and SPF-boosting functions, while Kanigo targets scalp hydration, hair strength and volume, and frizz control. Both ingredients are designed to integrate into cosmetic formulations as multifunctional actives and preservative boosters. This approach supports the circular bioeconomy, demonstrating a pathway for forest industry by-products to enter high-value bio-based markets such as personal care. In addition to the ROKA CIRKLE® line, Roka Furadada also develops patented UV filter molecules and photoreactive ingredients for sun protection and dermatological applications.

Contact information

Judit Camargo Sanromà, CEO and Founder, Roka Furadada (Catalonia, Spain)

🔗 Personal LinkedIn 🔗 Company LinkedIn 🌐 Website

Impact sector

• Textiles, cosmetics, and fashion
• Circular economy

Innovation type

• Product innovation

Biomass type

• Industry side streams

Learn more

Advanced BioComposites (ABC) is a technology company developing sustainable composite materials for industrial manufacturing.

Alcorke Playground is a circular economy project led by the Institut Català del Suro Foundation that gives a second life to used natural cork stoppers.

Voodin Blade Technology develops wind turbine blades using LVL, an alternative to conventional fibreglass and carbon-composite blades.

Roka Furadada specialises in the development of innovative molecules and active ingredients for use in cosmetics and personal care.

Bagaceira develops innovative bio-based materials using sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue from sugar and alcohol production.

Boreal Bioproducts is a biorefinery startup that produces bio-based chemical extracts from forest-industry side streams such as sawdust and bark.

RMT Insulation develops natural insulation solutions using renewable natural fibres as alternatives to synthetic materials.

This innovation focuses on producing mycelium-based biocomposite (MBB) insulation panels using waste wood as the primary feedstock.

Sebastia is a timber construction company with roots in a family wood-working tradition dating back to 1954.

ParaStruct works to decarbonise the construction industry by applying circular economy principles to building materials.

Bio-based material design studio using sugar-cane bagasse

Bagaceira develops innovative bio-based materials using sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue from sugar and alcohol production. Its products, including wall panels, lamps, and surface materials made from non-woven bagasse textiles and moulded fibreboards, demonstrate how residues can be transformed into functional, low-impact design solutions. By diverting bagasse from low-value uses such as burning or feed, the project stores captured carbon within material products and reimagines waste as a resource for the built environment. Through a design-led approach, Bagaceira creates biodegradable materials for interiors that combine aesthetics with performance, enhancing acoustic and thermal comfort while maintaining healthy, non-toxic indoor environments. The studio’s work includes the SONORA Acoustic Panel System, developed in collaboration with the University of East London, which uses Sugarcrete® boards to deliver high sound absorption and insulation while significantly reducing carbon footprint compared to conventional foam-based panels. By connecting farmers, designers, and communities through regenerative value chains, Bagaceira showcases how residues can shape the next generation of sustainable materials for architecture and design.

Contact information

Julia Steketee, Founder, Bagaceira (Catalonia, Spain)

📧 info @ bagaceira.org | 🔗 Personal LinkedIn 🔗 Company LinkedIn 🌐 Website

Impact sector

• Industry and manufacturing
• Green building and construction
• Interior design and furniture

Innovation type

• Product innovation

Biomass type

• Industry side streams

Learn more

Advanced BioComposites (ABC) is a technology company developing sustainable composite materials for industrial manufacturing.

Alcorke Playground is a circular economy project led by the Institut Català del Suro Foundation that gives a second life to used natural cork stoppers.

Voodin Blade Technology develops wind turbine blades using LVL, an alternative to conventional fibreglass and carbon-composite blades.

Roka Furadada specialises in the development of innovative molecules and active ingredients for use in cosmetics and personal care.

Bagaceira develops innovative bio-based materials using sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue from sugar and alcohol production.

Boreal Bioproducts is a biorefinery startup that produces bio-based chemical extracts from forest-industry side streams such as sawdust and bark.

RMT Insulation develops natural insulation solutions using renewable natural fibres as alternatives to synthetic materials.

This innovation focuses on producing mycelium-based biocomposite (MBB) insulation panels using waste wood as the primary feedstock.

Sebastia is a timber construction company with roots in a family wood-working tradition dating back to 1954.

ParaStruct works to decarbonise the construction industry by applying circular economy principles to building materials.

Bio-based chemicals from forest industry side streams

Boreal Bioproducts is a biorefinery startup that produces bio-based chemical extracts from forest-industry side streams such as sawdust and bark. Its fully water-based extraction and fractionation process is circular and zero-waste. From Norway spruce (Picea abies) residues, Boreal Bioproducts manufactures SpruceSugar™ (polysaccharides), SpruceLigno™ (native lignin), and SpruceTannin™ (phenolic extract). These bio-based ingredients serve applications in animal nutrition and multiple industrial sectors, including industrial adhesives, binders, coatings, leather tanning, and cosmetics. As part of its applied development, Boreal Bioproducts has created LigNoFog, a lignin-based anti-fog coating that improves water spreading on transparent surfaces such as mirrors, goggles, windshields, and greenhouse panels. The company also explores the use of its extracts in animal nutrition to support gut health and provide alternatives that do not compete with food crops or arable land.

Contact information

Marja Jaurakkajärvi, Chief Commercial Officer, Boreal Bioproducts (Finland)

📧 marja.jaurakkajarvi @ borealbioproducts.com | 🔗 Personal LinkedIn 🔗 Company LinkedIn 🌐 Website

Additional resources

• LigNoFog®

Impact sector

• Industry and manufacturing
• Food and feed
• Textiles, cosmetics, and fashion
• Circular economy

Innovation type

• Product innovation

Biomass type

• Forest residues
• Industry side streams

Learn more

Advanced BioComposites (ABC) is a technology company developing sustainable composite materials for industrial manufacturing.

Alcorke Playground is a circular economy project led by the Institut Català del Suro Foundation that gives a second life to used natural cork stoppers.

Voodin Blade Technology develops wind turbine blades using LVL, an alternative to conventional fibreglass and carbon-composite blades.

Roka Furadada specialises in the development of innovative molecules and active ingredients for use in cosmetics and personal care.

Bagaceira develops innovative bio-based materials using sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue from sugar and alcohol production.

Boreal Bioproducts is a biorefinery startup that produces bio-based chemical extracts from forest-industry side streams such as sawdust and bark.

RMT Insulation develops natural insulation solutions using renewable natural fibres as alternatives to synthetic materials.

This innovation focuses on producing mycelium-based biocomposite (MBB) insulation panels using waste wood as the primary feedstock.

Sebastia is a timber construction company with roots in a family wood-working tradition dating back to 1954.

ParaStruct works to decarbonise the construction industry by applying circular economy principles to building materials.

Ecological insulation made from renewable fibres

RMT Insulation develops natural insulation solutions using renewable natural fibres as alternatives to synthetic materials. Its product Woolband is a sheep-wool-based insulation strip designed for sealing around window and door frames, offering a renewable, recyclable and compostable substitute for polyurethane foam. It is installed by pressing the wool into gaps, providing a low-emission and healthier option for building applications. Vegetal Cover is a wool- and hemp-based mat designed for green roofs, acting as a planting substrate that helps retain moisture and reduce irrigation needs. Over time, the wool gradually decomposes, releasing nutrients that support plant growth, eventually leaving an established sedum root system and composted organic material. Together, these solutions aim to reduce reliance on fossil-based insulation, support circular construction practices, and enhance building sustainability using natural, biodegradable materials.

Contact information

Sergi Iglesias Costa, R&D Manager, RMT Insulation (Catalonia, Spain)

📧 sergi @ rmtinsulation.com | 🔗 Personal LinkedIn 🔗 Company LinkedIn 🌐 Website

Additional resources

• Woolband technical sheet
• Vegetal cover technical sheet

Impact sector

• Green building and construction

Innovation type

• Product innovation

Biomass type

• Industry side streams

Learn more

Advanced BioComposites (ABC) is a technology company developing sustainable composite materials for industrial manufacturing.

Alcorke Playground is a circular economy project led by the Institut Català del Suro Foundation that gives a second life to used natural cork stoppers.

Voodin Blade Technology develops wind turbine blades using LVL, an alternative to conventional fibreglass and carbon-composite blades.

Roka Furadada specialises in the development of innovative molecules and active ingredients for use in cosmetics and personal care.

Bagaceira develops innovative bio-based materials using sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue from sugar and alcohol production.

Boreal Bioproducts is a biorefinery startup that produces bio-based chemical extracts from forest-industry side streams such as sawdust and bark.

RMT Insulation develops natural insulation solutions using renewable natural fibres as alternatives to synthetic materials.

This innovation focuses on producing mycelium-based biocomposite (MBB) insulation panels using waste wood as the primary feedstock.

Sebastia is a timber construction company with roots in a family wood-working tradition dating back to 1954.

ParaStruct works to decarbonise the construction industry by applying circular economy principles to building materials.

Thermal-insulation panels made from recycled wood and fungal mycelium

This innovation focuses on producing mycelium-based biocomposite (MBB) insulation panels using waste wood as the primary feedstock. Instead of agricultural residues, end-of-life wood products such as furniture, flooring, and construction timber are repurposed, addressing contamination challenges associated with adhesives, coatings, and finishes. Fungi serve both as a binder and a potential bioremediation agent by helping break down residual chemicals while forming a cohesive composite material. Research activities include testing thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, moisture behaviour, and fire performance. Process development also explores automated fabrication techniques, such as continuous air-layering, and advanced quality-control tools, including CT scanning, 3D imaging, and SEM analysis. Digital modelling and AI-based prediction tools are being developed to optimise performance. The goal is to scale cost-efficient production and advance bio-based insulation alternatives that support circular construction and material reuse. By advancing cost-efficient production and material innovation, this project aims to accelerate the adoption of mycelium-based materials across sectors – from thermal insulation to packaging, interior design, and construction.

Contact information

Benjamín Petržela, PhD Student, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (Prague, Czechia)

📧 petrzela @ fld.czu.cz | 🔗 Personal LinkedIn 🔗 Faculty LinkedIn 🌐 Website

Impact sector

• Green building and construction
• Industry and manufacturing
• Packaging
• Circular economy

Innovation type

• Product innovation

Biomass type

• Post-consumer biomass
• Non-wood forest products

Learn more

Advanced BioComposites (ABC) is a technology company developing sustainable composite materials for industrial manufacturing.

Alcorke Playground is a circular economy project led by the Institut Català del Suro Foundation that gives a second life to used natural cork stoppers.

Voodin Blade Technology develops wind turbine blades using LVL, an alternative to conventional fibreglass and carbon-composite blades.

Roka Furadada specialises in the development of innovative molecules and active ingredients for use in cosmetics and personal care.

Bagaceira develops innovative bio-based materials using sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue from sugar and alcohol production.

Boreal Bioproducts is a biorefinery startup that produces bio-based chemical extracts from forest-industry side streams such as sawdust and bark.

RMT Insulation develops natural insulation solutions using renewable natural fibres as alternatives to synthetic materials.

This innovation focuses on producing mycelium-based biocomposite (MBB) insulation panels using waste wood as the primary feedstock.

Sebastia is a timber construction company with roots in a family wood-working tradition dating back to 1954.

ParaStruct works to decarbonise the construction industry by applying circular economy principles to building materials.

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) built with 100% Pyrenean wood

Sebastia is a timber construction company with roots in a family wood-working tradition dating back to 1954. The company produces cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels using wood sourced exclusively from sustainably managed forests in the Pyrenees. Sebastia focuses on designing and constructing buildings and structural systems made from local timber, applying modern technology to support precision manufacturing and efficient assembly. This approach enables short construction timelines and reduced on-site labour. The resulting buildings aim to deliver high thermal insulation, energy efficiency and structural strength, while supporting climate-friendly construction practices through the use of regional, certified wood resources.

Contact information

Sergi Sebastia Sarroca, Commercial Director, Sebastia (Catalonia, Spain)

📧 sergi @ sebastia.eu | 🔗 Company LinkedIn 🌐 Website

Impact sector

• Green building and construction

Innovation type

• Product innovation

Biomass type

• Wood

Learn more

Advanced BioComposites (ABC) is a technology company developing sustainable composite materials for industrial manufacturing.

Alcorke Playground is a circular economy project led by the Institut Català del Suro Foundation that gives a second life to used natural cork stoppers.

Voodin Blade Technology develops wind turbine blades using LVL, an alternative to conventional fibreglass and carbon-composite blades.

Roka Furadada specialises in the development of innovative molecules and active ingredients for use in cosmetics and personal care.

Bagaceira develops innovative bio-based materials using sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue from sugar and alcohol production.

Boreal Bioproducts is a biorefinery startup that produces bio-based chemical extracts from forest-industry side streams such as sawdust and bark.

RMT Insulation develops natural insulation solutions using renewable natural fibres as alternatives to synthetic materials.

This innovation focuses on producing mycelium-based biocomposite (MBB) insulation panels using waste wood as the primary feedstock.

Sebastia is a timber construction company with roots in a family wood-working tradition dating back to 1954.

ParaStruct works to decarbonise the construction industry by applying circular economy principles to building materials.

Sustainable building materials made from recycled mineral binders and biogenic fibres

ParaStruct works to decarbonise the construction industry by applying circular economy principles to building materials. The company’s technology focuses on previously unused waste and by-product streams, including both mineral and biogenic materials. In particular, biogenic fillers such as wood flour, grasses, reeds, and seed pods can be combined with recycled mineral binders to create materials with strong structural properties. By adjusting the ratio between the mineral binder and the biogenic filler, ParaStruct can produce material characteristics ranging from wood-like to concrete-like, enabling versatile applications across different construction uses. This approach supports the development of more sustainable alternatives to carbon-intensive cement-based materials and other conventional building materials. An additional feature of the technology is that the mineral binder can be reactivated and reused at the end of a product’s life, contributing to material circularity. ParaStruct’s solutions aim to support construction and manufacturing stakeholders by turning low-value residual materials into high-value building components and providing developers with new options for lower-carbon construction materials.

Contact information

Freia Ruegenberg, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, ParaStruct (Innsbruck, Austria)

📧 ruegenberg @ parastruct.company | 🔗 Personal LinkedIn 🔗 Company LinkedIn 🌐 Website

Impact sector

• Green building and construction
• Industry and manufacturing
• Circular economy

Innovation type

• Product innovation

Biomass type

• Wood
• Forest residues
• Industry side streams

Learn more

Advanced BioComposites (ABC) is a technology company developing sustainable composite materials for industrial manufacturing.

Alcorke Playground is a circular economy project led by the Institut Català del Suro Foundation that gives a second life to used natural cork stoppers.

Voodin Blade Technology develops wind turbine blades using LVL, an alternative to conventional fibreglass and carbon-composite blades.

Roka Furadada specialises in the development of innovative molecules and active ingredients for use in cosmetics and personal care.

Bagaceira develops innovative bio-based materials using sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue from sugar and alcohol production.

Boreal Bioproducts is a biorefinery startup that produces bio-based chemical extracts from forest-industry side streams such as sawdust and bark.

RMT Insulation develops natural insulation solutions using renewable natural fibres as alternatives to synthetic materials.

This innovation focuses on producing mycelium-based biocomposite (MBB) insulation panels using waste wood as the primary feedstock.

Sebastia is a timber construction company with roots in a family wood-working tradition dating back to 1954.

ParaStruct works to decarbonise the construction industry by applying circular economy principles to building materials.