Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research
Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI

Building the future with renewable raw materials.
Since 1946.

Sustainability has been the central theme at the Fraunhofer WKI since its foundation in 1946. Founder and eponym Dr. Wilhelm Klauditz Dr. Wilhelm Klauditz sought solutions for the optimal exploitation of raw wood – a commodity which had become scarce as a result of the war - as well as for the technical utilization of waste wood and small-dimensioned wood. He is considered a pioneer of the modern wood-based materials industry. Today, the Fraunhofer WKI utilizes the entire spectrum of renewable raw resources in order to develop sustainable materials, components and chemical products. A particular focus is on the use of plant residues and waste materials.

About us

News

 

Press release / 12.3.2025

Hannover Messe 2025:
Bio-lightweight sandwich component

Researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI have developed a bio-based, three-dimensional sandwich structure specifically for lightweight-construction applications in the mobility sector, which is suitable for incorporation into the shell of a caravan. The component can be seen at the Hannover Messe from 31st March to 4th April 2025.

 

Press release / 13.12.2024

BAU 2025:
Ecological timber construction of the future

At BAU 2025 in Munich, researchers from the Fraunhofer WKI will be presenting a building construction made from high-quality pine wood components, a wooden beam comprised of reclaimed waste wood, and with insulation materials made from renewable raw materials as well as insulation materials featuring fungal mycelium as an innovative binding agent.

 

Press release / 12.12.2024

Rapid bonding of wood-concrete elements

By means of a novel bonding technology, researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI have enabled an accelerated production of wood-concrete composite elements (WCC elements). The aim is to establish construction with WCC elements in multi-story buildings as a competitive alternative to pure precast reinforced concrete components.

 

Press release / 10.12.2024

BAU 2025:
Waste wood aerogels

At BAU 2025 in Munich, researchers from the Fraunhofer WKI will be presenting a project in which innovative aerogels are being developed from waste wood. These sustainable materials are being utilized by the researchers to develop, amongst other things, pollutant-adsorbing air filters and recyclable insulation materials.

Events and Fairs

 

Trade fair

Hannover Messe

March 31 to April 4, 2025
Hanover, Germany

 

Further training

Detection and assessment of damage to adhesive joints in bonded, load-bearing, installed timber components

April 25, 2025
Braunschweig, Germany

 

Trade fair

LIGNA 2025

May 26 to 30, 2025
Hanover, Germany

Further training

Bonding in wooden construction

Date will follow shortly.
Braunschweig, Germany

Wilhelm Klauditz Fellowship

The Wilhelm Klauditz Fellowship is a scholarship in the field of applied wood research and is announced annually. It is aimed to senior-level faculty eligible for sabbatical leave who want to pursue world-class research at the Fraunhofer WKI. 

Locations

 

Headquarters Braunschweig

Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research
Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI

Riedenkamp 3
38108 Braunschweig

Phone +49 531 2155-0
Fax +49 531 2155-334

Email: info@wki.fraunhofer.de

 

Center for Light and Environmentally-Friendly Structures ZELUBA®

Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research
Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI

Beethovenstraße 51F
38106 Braunschweig

 

Application Center for Wood Fiber Research HOFZET®

Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research
Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI
Heisterbergallee 10A
30453 Hanover

Phone +49 511 353248 23

 

Fraunhofer Center Circular Economy for Mobility (CCEM)

c/o Open Hybrid LabFactory e.V.
Hermann-Münch-Str. 2
38440 Wolfsburg