About

EcoReFibre is a 4-year Innovation Action (2022-2026) led by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden and funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. The project brings together a consortium of 20 partners including research institutions, industry, and European associations.

What does EcoReFibre do?

EcoReFibre develops optimised and efficient state-of-the-art solutions to extract fibres from wood waste, reducing dependence on virgin wood. The project designs and validates smart, industrial-scale sorting, extraction, and valorisation technologies that enable post-consumer fibreboards to be recycled into new high-quality products.

Why is EcoReFibre innovative?

EcoReFibre introduces a transformative approach to circular economy in the wood-based panels (WBP) industry. Using AI-driven sorting and advanced recycling technologies the project recovers fibres from post-consumer fibre. Through horizontal recycling and cascading use, these materials are transformed into new, high-quality products, such as new MDF, insulation panels, and biocomposites. Aiming to replace up to 25% of virgin fibres, EcoReFibre offers a large-scale commercially viable solution to reduce dependence on virgin raw materials, enhance industry resilience, and promote resource efficiency.

Consortium Partners

Research Partners

SLU is a top-class international university with research, education and environmental analysis in sciences for sustainable living. The main locations are Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational locations throughout the country. The university bring together people with different perspectives but with the common goal of creating the best conditions for a sustainable, vibrant and better world.

École Supérieure du Bois (ESB), founded in 1934 under the auspices of the French Ministries of Agriculture, National Education, and Industry, is the first higher education institution dedicated to wood science and technology. ESB is committed to innovation in wood and bio-based materials, integrating this vision across its core activities (education, research, and R&D engineering) in collaboration with industry.

FCBA is France’s industrial technical centre for the forestry, wood, and furniture sectors. Its mission is to promote technical progress, improve efficiency, and ensure quality across the entire value chain, from forestry and logging to furniture, packaging, and end-of-life products. Uniquely in Europe, FCBA covers the full lifecycle of wood-based materials, supporting innovation and sustainability in collaboration with industry suppliers and stakeholders.

IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute is an independent research institute that conducts research and consultancy assignments on environmental and sustainability issues.

IHD is an independent research institute with over 60 years of experience in industry-oriented and applied R&D. Its work focuses on material properties and applications, product and technology development, environmental and health protection, and resource and energy efficiency. IHD operates interdisciplinarily and market-oriented, valued for its expertise, reliability, and effective collaboration with industry partners worldwide.

The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) contributes to food security, sustainable resource management, and innovation through research and knowledge development in agriculture, forestry, and other bio-based industries, promoting value creation and a sustainable bioeconomy.


Industrial Partners & SMEs

DIEFFENBACHER is a leading manufacturer of press systems and complete production plants for the wood-based panels, forming and recycling industries. The company combines technologies, processes and application know-how with extensive client collaboration to create advanced solutions and to help customers achieve their business goals.

Veolia is a global company tha tprovides environmental services in water, waste and energy. It designs and deploys solutions for cities and industries to help them manage and optimise resources, preserve them, and replenish them. The company aims to be a benchmark for “ecological transformation,” with a workforce of nearly 220,000 employees and operations in countries around the world.

Sonae Arauco is one of the largest wood-based solutions players in the world. The company’s commitment to sustainable development is borne out in its forest certification, the implementation of a circular bioeconomic model and the permanent integration of recycled wood into the industrial process.
Since its inception, Sonae Arauco has focused on developing sustainable wood solutions with high-added value for furniture, interior design and construction, from the most standard to the most demanding from a technical point of view. From Innovus® decorative products to Core & Technical® products and AGEPAN® SYSTEM solutions, Sonae Arauco holds a versatile portfolio, with a wide range of applications.

Biesse is an Italian multinational company that leads in the technology for processing wood, glass, stone, advanced materials, and metal. Founded in Pesaro in 1969 by Giancarlo Selci, the company designs, manufactures, and distributes machines, integrated systems, and software for various industrial sectors.

Smartpanel AS, part of the Norwegian Byggma group, is Norway’s largest producer of MDF panels, developing, manufacturing, and distributing panels for various applications. Known for easy installation that requires no additional finishing, Smartpanel became part of Byggma ASA in 2018.

Soprema Group is a multinational construction materials company specialising in waterproofing, insulation, and roofing systems. A family-owned business founded in Strasbourg, France, in 1908, it has become a key player in the construction industry worldwide.

Cormatex is an Italian textile machinery manufacturer operating worldwide since 1938. The company specialises in carding and spinning technologies for fine woollen yarns, such as cashmere, angora, and camel hair, and in nonwoven production lines, including fibre opening, blending, carding, and airlay systems.

Homanit is one of the leading global manufacturers of thin, high-quality MDF and HDF wood fibreboards, supplying the furniture, door, and coating industries worldwide.

Manifaktura is a start-up founded in 2020 that supports organisations in their innovation journeys through planning, networking, management, and training, with a strong focus on the circular economy and Industry 4.0.

Associations & Consulting Support

The European Panel Federation (EPF) represents the European wood-based panel industry, providing a strong collective voice on political, economic, and technical matters affecting the sector. EPF advocates for the industry as a key contributor to the EU’s bio- and circular economy, promoting high standards and sustainability among wood-based panel manufacturers. With members across 30 European countries, the industry generates around €25 billion in annual turnover and directly employs over 100,000 people in Europe.

FederlegnoArredo is the Italian Federation of Wood, Cork, Furniture, and Interior Design Industries, representing and supporting companies across the sector. Founded in 1945, it promotes Italian craftsmanship, supports business growth, strengthens companies’ market capabilities, and creates new opportunities. The federation also showcases Italian living and design worldwide and organises key industry events, including the Salone del Mobile di Milano, contributing to the continued growth of Italy’s wood and furniture industry.

Steinbeis Europa Zentrum (SEZ) is a German-based innovation and funding‑consultancy organisation that supports enterprises, start‑ups, universities, public authorities and networks in accessing European research funding, international markets and innovation ecosystems. With over 30 years of experience, SEZ offers expertise across digitalisation, bioeconomy, smart cities and other strategic sectors, helping clients streamline innovation, shape policy and connect to Europe‑wide partners.

InnovaWood is an interdisciplinary European network that brings together the wood research, innovation and education community.
Its mission is to raise awareness and provide strategic direction to implement education, innovation and technology related to the wood‑based sector. InnovaWood supports its members with increased visibility and expertise, fosters participation in European projects, and connects the wood‑based sector to broader policy and innovation frameworks.

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