The MULTI-WOOD project aimed to address critical environmental and industrial challenges by developing innovative wood treatment solutions using bio-based compounds derived from residual industrial and agricultural streams. Wood, as a renewable and versatile material, plays a crucial role in building a sustainable future. However, its natural properties, such as susceptibility to UV degradation, moisture damage, and biological decay, often limit its durability and application. Current wood treatments rely heavily on fossil-based chemicals, which pose environmental and health concerns. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and reducing reliance on petrochemical products, the project aligns with the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The overall objective was to enhance wood’s properties, including UV resistance, moisture repellence, and microbiological durability, using renewable materials that could be seamlessly integrated into existing industrial processes. The project also aimed to reduce the environmental footprint of wood treatments, contribute to circular bioeconomy practices, and support Europe’s transition to a climate-neutral future by 2050.
Despite its early termination, the project achieved notable milestones, such as developing and testing bio-based formulations and publishing findings in open-access journals. These results demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating bio-based solutions into wood treatments, setting the stage for future industrial applications. The outcomes of the MULTI-WOOD project offer a glimpse into the potential of sustainable innovation to revolutionize the wood processing industry. By replacing fossil-based products with renewable alternatives, the project provides a pathway toward more responsible consumption and production patterns, fostering economic, environmental, and societal benefits at both local and global scales.
