The University of Sopron’s Innovative Solutions at Hannover’s LIGNA Fair

ErdőLab TKP – The Future of Sustainable Forestry and Carbon Sequestration

The flagship project of the University of Sopron, ErdőLab TKP, is being implemented with the participation of all faculties and the Forestry Science Institute. The project focuses on forestry and wood industry innovation, opening new possibilities for competitive, sustainable solutions both domestically and internationally.

Thanks to the daily work of its researchers, the University of Sopron has become Hungary’s knowledge hub for forestry and wood-based construction projects. At the Hannover exhibition, the university proudly presents programs that combine forestry, wood industry, social sciences, and education.

"These collaborations help link sustainability with education, paving the way for forward-thinking projects," said Dr. Attila Borovics, project leader.

In Sopron, researchers are working on solutions that could double Hungary’s carbon sequestration capacity. This involves modernizing forest management, utilizing underused drought-resistant tree species in the timber industry, and analyzing their economic and environmental impacts from a bioeconomy perspective.

According to Dr. Tibor Alpár, Vice-Rector for Innovation and Corporate Relations, this exhibition is a historic milestone for the institution. While colleagues have attended before, this is the first time the university is appearing as an exhibitor before an international audience. The occasion is the fair’s 50th anniversary, which offers discounted participation opportunities for universities.

The Vice-Rector highlighted that the university’s research focuses on underutilized Hungarian hardwood species. The goal is to transform wood traditionally used for low-value purposes (e.g., firewood) into high-value, sustainable construction materials. At the exhibition, visitors will see composite beams, wall structures, and insulation materials—many of which are fully natural, customizable, and even producible with zero-waste technology.

These innovations aim to address the impact of climate change on forestry, particularly in replacing endangered pine species.

Sustainability and Strategic Vision

Prof. Dr. Endre Magoss, Dean of the Faculty of Wood Engineering and Creative Industries, emphasized that LIGNA represents both professional recognition and opportunity. Participation is significant for multiple reasons: it showcases the university’s international degree programs while fostering new research collaborations, especially amid current EU funding restrictions.

The dean outlined two key development directions:

1. Product adaptation – Replacing traditional pine-based products.

2. Innovative wood-based materials – Such as bark-based thermal insulation, developed by Prof. Zoltán Pásztory, which will also be exhibited in Hannover.

The university hopes the exhibition will not only generate interest in its research but also attract industrial partners for licensing, manufacturing, or joint development—potentially creating long-term revenue streams (e.g., royalties).

As Vice-Rector Tibor Alpár stressed: "Climate change presents new challenges for the wood industry and forestry sciences, and the University of Sopron aims to lead in developing solutions that are both eco-friendly and industrially competitive." In this spirit, the exhibited products are not just technological innovations but could also become cornerstones of sustainable architecture.

Funding & Support

The university’s participation is supported by the National Research, Development, and Innovation Fund (TKP2021-NKTA-43) under the Ministry of Culture and Innovation’s funding program.