The SuperBark consortium met at Fraunhofer ICT in Pfinztal to advance the collaborative development of over 95% bio-based adhesives and coatings from softwood bark.
Reviewing progress across the project
SuperBark, the four-year initiative developing sustainable adhesives and coatings from softwood bark funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) gathered for its sixth consortium meeting at Fraunhofer ICT. During the meeting, each work package team presented updates on activities from the previous six months and outlined the roadmap ahead. Discussions covered key technical areas including bark-based extraction processes, development of adhesives and coatings, and the modelling and assessment work that supports these innovations.
The consortium confirmed that the project is progressing well. With approximately one and a half years remaining, attention is increasingly turning toward consolidating results, advancing ongoing research, and preparing scientific publications over the coming year. The meeting highlighted both the ambition and complexity of the work, particularly the project’s efforts to develop technical solutions with improved sustainability profiles that can match the challenging performance requirements.
Visiting the Fraunhofer ICT laboratories
A key part of the visit included a closer look at the work being led by Fraunhofer ICT within WP3. The consortium was invited to the laboratory, where Fraunhofer ICT is leading research into the analytical characterization and chemical modification of polyphenolic extractives from softwood bark. The goal is to generate functionalized, chemically reactive intermediates at TRL 3 to 5 that can be used in curing systems and thermoset adhesives.
To achieve these objectives, Fraunhofer ICT is working closely with research partners VTT and TECNALIA, alongside industry partners Metsä Wood and Kastamonu Entegre. Together, they are exploring multiple synthesis routes to develop adhesive formulations tailored for plywood, particleboard, and MDF production. At the current stage of the project, several polyphenol-based adhesive systems are being optimized and evaluated, along with pressing and curing conditions for different types of wood-based boards.
Innovation through continuous collaboration
The open and constructive discussions in Pfinztal helped clarify the next steps and reinforced the consortium’s shared commitment to delivering novel bark-based solutions with real industrial potential. Beyond the technical sessions, the two-day event also offered valuable time for partners to connect in person in a positive and collaborative atmosphere, with an opportunity to explore nearby Karlsruhe.
Overall, the sixth SuperBark consortium meeting confirmed solid project progress and provided an important checkpoint for partners to address shared challenges, strengthen collaboration, and ensure alignment across the project. Looking ahead, the consortium remains focused on developing sustainable, bark-based alternatives that can support the transition to a more circular bio-based economy.
For more information about Fraunhofer ICT’s role in the project, contact WP3 leader Detlef Schmiedl, PhD, at detlef.schmiedl@ict.fraunhofer.de.