In October, Jānis Rižikovs, Head of the Biorefining Laboratory at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), and leading researcher Aigars Pāže presented the project “Research on the Production, Manufacturing and Application of High-Specific-Surface-Area Betulin Particles from Birch Bark” in the final of the “REGIOSTARS Awards 2026” competition in Brussels. The aim of the project was to develop a technology for obtaining multifunctional betulin microparticles from birch bark and transforming a wood-processing by-product into a high-value-added raw material.
Out of a record 274 applications, 25 projects were selected for the final. The LSIWC project was one of five finalists in the “A Green Europe” category.
From Birch Bark to New Opportunities for Industry
During the project, an eco-innovative technology was developed and patented that enables the efficient extraction of multifunctional betulin microparticles from birch bark extractives. It opens up opportunities to transform birch bark – a by-product of birch veneer production that has until now been used mainly as fuel – into a high-value-added raw material for the food, dietary supplement, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
The significance of the project lies not only in the development of the new technology, but also in the opportunity to use local natural resources more efficiently and create greater added value from them. The project was implemented in close cooperation with the Cēsis-based farm “DOKTUS”, combining scientific research with a practical perspective on the use of the technology.
The Scientific Journey from Idea to Practical Solution
Aigars Pāže, leading researcher at LSIWC and scientific leader of the project, emphasises that the project’s greatest value lies in transforming scientific results into a practical solution and in the collaborative work of the people involved in achieving this goal.
“This achievement demonstrates that the value of science begins where a good idea is able to move beyond the laboratory and become useful to society and industry. Birch bark was our starting point, but the true result is the knowledge, technology and cooperation that continue to develop even after the project has ended. The recognition as a REGIOSTARS finalist belongs to the entire team, our cooperation partners and all the people who helped make this journey from idea to practical solution possible and supported its development,” says Aigars Pāže.
Jānis Rižikovs, Head of the Biorefining Laboratory at LSIWC, in turn, emphasises that reaching the final of the competition is a significant encouragement to continue the work that has been started.
Jānis Rižikovs, Head of the Biorefining Laboratory at LSIWC, in turn, emphasises that reaching the final of the competition is a significant encouragement to continue the work that has been started.
LSIWC thanks everyone who voted for the project “Birch Bark – Latvia’s Green Gold”, followed its participation in the competition and supported Latvia’s representatives. We also thank the project team and cooperation partners for their contribution to the development and advancement of the technology.
Participation in the REGIOSTARS 2026 final is significant recognition of the work accomplished and confirmation that scientific ideas created in Latvia have the potential to become practical, value-added solutions both in Latvia and across Europe.
About the “REGIOSTARS Awards”
The “REGIOSTARS Awards” is a European Commission competition that annually highlights outstanding projects funded by European Union funds, showcasing their contribution to regional development, innovation and improving people’s quality of life.
More information about the competition and all 2026 finalists is available on the European Commission’s “REGIOSTARS Awards” website.
