The path to strong sustainability: Research agenda for the wood-working industry for 2025–2035

To meet rising expectations in sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness, wood companies—in construction and beyond—must prioritise research and development in wood materials and business models. This new research agenda for 2025-2035, created through industry and academic collaboration, provides insights for strategic focus. It outlines how the industry can navigate evolving challenges and seize opportunities in the sustainability transition.

Key insights for sustainable leadership

The research agenda underscores that while wood products inherently offer solutions for reducing emissions and sequestering carbon, fully leveraging these benefits requires a long-term vision. The shift from short- to long-life wood products and greater use of recycled and side-stream materials is vital for enhancing resource efficiency and reducing reliance on virgin raw materials. In order for the sustainability solutions offered by the wood products industry to spread to a wider society, they must be competitive both technically and economically.

Finland’s current position compared to leading nations like France and Sweden shows there is room for growth in wood construction adoption. Expanding domestic use not only strengthens the local market but also supports higher-value exports, positioning Finland more favourably in the international arena.

Strategic recommendations for moving forward

Improving productivity: The objective is to maximise the added value of wood raw material and develop products and processes that produce a measurable added value for customers. The main focus is on the use of wood to contribute to the coming carbon neutrality goals and to further innovations in production technologies.
Evolving wood materials: The objective is on improving the technical properties of wood materials, extending their life cycle and increasing their recyclability. Key themes include the longevity of materials in service, recycling as well as human health and well-being impacts.
An evolving business: The objective is on circular economy and industrial construction development, how traditional business models and value chains need to develop. The objective is to create new models that support the transition to industrialised construction and, more broadly, the renewal of the sector in the context of strong sustainability.

Collaboration is key

Collaboration across academia, industry, and government is essential for turning this vision into reality. Collective efforts ensure that the necessary funding and strategic alignment are in place, supporting research themes and innovative projects that aim for carbon neutrality.

Building a competitive advantage through sustainability

Emphasising sustainability isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s an opportunity to drive forward a societal agenda through products that citizens and industries already love and care for. High-value products, modernised business approaches, and effective use of recycled wood can set Finnish companies apart, securing a competitive edge both locally and globally. The agenda highlights that meeting these goals requires shifting from fragmented initiatives to cohesive strategies embedded within core business operations.

This agenda is more than a research directive – it’s a call to action for Finnish industry leaders, sustainability professionals, and policymakers to collaborate, innovate, and lead on the path to strong sustainability.