FFWood
The construction sector is responsible for a significant share of global CO₂ emissions. In Flanders, windows and doors are predominantly made from PVC and aluminum, both materials with a high environmental impact. Wood, on the other hand, is a renewable resource that stores CO₂ and can therefore contribute to a reduced climate footprint. Nevertheless, solid wood is still only marginally applied in exterior joinery, partly due to the scarcity and high cost of traditional tropical species such as afrormosia and afzelia, which are increasingly constrained by CITES regulations. This creates an urgent need for alternatives: reclaimed wood from demolition, locally grown timber, and lesser known timber species (LKTS).
The main objective of this project is to demonstrate the technical feasibility and suitability of these three wood streams for use in windows and doors. The approach includes the development of demolition criteria and visual sorting rules, the selection of one local species and one LKTS, coating tests with modern finishing systems, and workshop trials in which prototypes are manufactured. Three practice cases with wooden joinery producers ensure active involvement of target companies and realistic validation in practice.
Expected results include: technical knowledge on the applicability of alternative wood streams, validated sorting rules for reclaimed wood, demonstrators and practice cases, and practical guidelines for producers, architects and contractors. Knowledge partners such as Buildwise, Wood.be and VITO will contribute additional expertise in finishing, market data, and environmental and economic analyses (LCA and TCO).
The impact is broad: producers and processors gain access to new resources and guidelines, architects and contractors can include wood in specifications and tenders, and policymakers and knowledge institutes strengthen circular material strategies. In the long term, the project contributes to CO₂ reduction, circular economy, and the competitiveness of the Flemish wood sector.
