The 17th European Workshop on Lignocellulosics and Pulp (EWLP) in Turku/Åbo, Finland (August 26–30, 2024)

The 17th European Workshop on Lignocellulosics and Pulp (EWLP) was held in Åbo/Turku, Finland, hosted by the Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology at Åbo Akademi University. This marked the second time Åbo Akademi University hosted this biennial event, the first being in 2002 – a year fondly remembered by many. EWLP was initially established by Prof. Oskar Faix, the former editor-in-chief of Holzforschung/Wood Research and Technology, in 1990.

With strong support from our industrial sponsors (Andritz, Bergius, Brinter, BTG, CH Bioforce, Kemira, Mirka, Stora Enso, and UPM), the event attracted 213 participants from 18 countries across the globe.

This year’s EWLP brought together researchers, students, and industry professionals to discuss the latest advancements in lignocellulosic research. The conference covered a wide array of topics, including:

1. Lignocellulosics structure and properties.

2. General wood chemistry and analytical techniques.

3. Pulping, bleaching, and fiberline processes.

4. Biorefineries and biotechnological approaches.

5. Novel functionalized materials and products.

Special encouragement was given to junior researchers, including PhD students and early-career postdoctoral fellows, to actively participate. The combined efforts of the executive and scientific committees ensured the high quality of the research presented. In total, the conference featured 4 invited keynote speakers, 47 oral presentations, and 89 poster presentations showcasing the latest breakthroughs in lignocellulosic research.

The event was held at the Sigyn Music Hall, beautifully located along the Aura River. The local organizing committee curated an engaging series of social events to foster networking and collaboration. Participants had the opportunity to visit either the CH Bioforce or Boreal Bioproducts biorefinery plants, or the biotechnological solutions provider MetGen. A highlight of the program was a cruise on Finland’s last operating steamship, Ukkopekka, which retired from service just a week after the conference. The cruise through the stunning Finnish archipelago included a smoke sauna experience and local cuisine. The conference concluded with a refreshing hiking trip to the Herarankukkaro nature park in Rymättylä.

Just like in previous years, the journal Holzforschung invited conference participants to contribute to a special issue associated with the conference, capturing the advancements and discussions of this remarkable event.

We now eagerly anticipate the 18th EWLP, which will take place at BOKU University in Austria in the summer of 2026.