Lunawood Call for Innovations – Best from Dust
Lunawood invites innovators, companies, and developers to take part in a call for innovations focused on finding new, sustainable ways to utilise Thermowood fine dust. The goal is to discover applications where this distinctive material can be transformed into value – as a raw material for new products, materials, or processes that support circular economy and responsible business. Apply by September 15, 2025.
Thermowood fine dust is a side stream generated in Lunawood’s production process. The dust is created when thermally modified wood is planed into final products. While the thermal modification itself does not produce the dust, it alters the wood’s structure and chemical properties, making the resulting powder a unique material.
Thermowood is produced from Finnish spruce and pine using only heat and steam – completely free of chemicals. This process makes the wood dimensionally stable, weather-resistant, and durable – and results in a fine, dry, and clean by-product with potential for higher-value applications.
Key characteristics of the material:
- Fine particle size (mostly under 1 mm)
- Low moisture content (5% ± 2%)
- Free from extractives
- More acidic than fresh wood (pH 4.4–5.6)
- 100% chemical-free
Currently, the dust is used for energy production. Now, Lunawood seeks solutions that enable its use as a material instead.
What is Lunawood looking for?
Lunawood is seeking collaboration opportunities where Thermowood fine dust is used as a material or raw ingredient – instead of energy. The goal is to find a solution that is sustainable, logistically feasible, and commercially viable, while supporting Lunawood’s sustainability goals.
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria
Technical and business readiness
- Existing production or piloting capability demonstrated (expected Technology readiness level at least 5.5 TRL)
Feasibility and logistics
- Logistically reasonable solution (proximity to Iisalmi factory)
- Predictable and continuous deliveries
- Cost competitiveness compared to current energy use
Sustainability and material utilisation
- Supports circular economy and material recovery
- Leverages the specific properties of Thermowood fine dust (fine particle size, dryness, acidity, chemical-free)
Scalability and collaboration potential
- Scalability and commercial potential
- Potential for long-term collaboration with Lunawood
- Does not compete with Lunawood’s existing product portfolio
Evaluation
Lunawood will evaluate the proposals based on the above criteria and select the most promising teams to continue discussions after the workshop.
Who can participate?
The call is open to all interested parties: companies, research institutes, educational organizations, students, and other actors. Your team can consist of members from your own organization or be formed across organizational boundaries specifically for this challenge.
Participation is free of charge. Working languages are Finnish and/or English as needed.
Download full participation rules from here.
Why participate?
- Test your idea and receive immediate feedback from a potential client and/or partner, as well as industry experts.
- Discover new business opportunities: gain access to long-term collaboration, business development, and potentially joint product development with Lunawood.
- Network with other participants and experts interested in the topic and build national and international connections.
- As a finalist, gain visibility through the BioBoosters accelerator and network.
Timeline
- Application deadline: September 15, 2025
- Team selection announced: September 18, 2025
- Workshop (hybrid format, on-site at Lunawood factory in Iisalmi or online): October 22, 2025, 9:00–15:00; Address: Asemantie 52, FI-74170 Iisalmi
More information from:
Pauliina Tynkkynen, Sustainability manager, Lunawood Oy
+358 40 652 7711 | [email protected]
Anna Aalto, Projektipäällikkö, BioBoosters by Jamk, Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulu
+358 40 640 2346 | [email protected]
Challenge provider: Lunawood Ltd
Lunawood is a Finnish pioneer in thermally modified wood, bringing the calming power of the forest into urban environments. The company’s products are manufactured from PEFC or FSC certified Nordic wood using only heat and steam – completely free from chemicals.
Lunawood Thermowood is dimensionally stable, weather- and decay-resistant, and long-lasting. It is suitable for all climates without surface treatment. The company operates according to the principles of sustainable development and is committed to the UN Global Compact initiative. Lunawood continuously works to reduce its carbon footprint and provide natural solutions for construction and design – without compromising on ecology or aesthetics.
Organiser: BioBoosters by Jamk
BioBoosters by Jamk is a bio- and circular economy business accelerator that aims to create new business and globally significant solutions to combat climate change. Its core mission is to support the development of sustainable business based on innovation, new technologies, and digitalization, while building strong ecosystems and networks.
In collaboration with: BioBoosters innovation network
The BioBoosters network supports the implementation of this call through communication and marketing collaboration. The network includes nine leading bioeconomy innovation hubs around the Baltic Sea – from Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany. The network organizes 18 calls to accelerate the green transition of bioeconomy companies with the support of the BioBoosters project, co-funded by the Interreg BSR programme.
More information from:
Anna Aalto
Matti Räsänen
