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Workshop & Webinars: Sustainable and circular design in wood industry
The wood industry is undergoing a significant transformation. The European Green Deal sets out the EU’s vision for a competitive and climate‑neutral economy by 2050, where industry is expected to drive a clean and circular economy.
Through new legislation such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the revised Construction Products Regulation (CPR), policymakers aim to ensure that companies prioritise circular and sustainable design. In addition, products will be required to be accompanied by Digital Product Passports (DPPs).
The landscape is shifting, bringing new business opportunities, partnerships and circular solutions. How can we harness these opportunities while also managing the associated risks?
A Clean and Circular Economy – Future Opportunities for the Wood Industry
The Swedish Wood Protection Association, TMF (the Swedish Federation of Wood and Furniture Industries) and Swedish Wood, together with experts from RISE, invite you to a series of three webinars in March 2026, followed by an interactive and inspiring workshop in August 2026 in Gothenburg.
Workshop: Sustainable and Circular Design in the Wood Industry
25 August at Svenska Mässan, Gothenburg, 09:00–13:30
This workshop focuses on sustainable design, circularity and future business models. You will gain insights into what the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the revised Construction Products Regulation (CPR) may mean for your organisation, with opportunities to discuss circular business models with experts and exchange experiences with other actors in the wood industry.
You will also receive practical tools and valuable insights to help you initiate, or strengthen, your organisation’s circular transition.
Who are we addressing?
The workshop is aimed at anyone working with wood and sustainability, from industrial designers and sawmills to wood furniture companies, sustainability managers, property firms and infrastructure operators. Whatever your role, you will gain inspiration and practical tools for developing the circular businesses of the future.
Organisations hosting the event:
- The Swedish Wood Protection Association
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
- Swedish Wood and Furniture Industries Federation
- Swedish Wood
Togheter with Svenska Mässan, Gothia Tower.
Webinars in March:
Webinar 4 March:
CEO Outlook & Circularity Gap Report: The 600-Billion-Kronor Question – Where Is Sweden’s Value Going?
Hundreds of billions disappear from the Swedish economy every year. Not because of crises – but as a consequence of business as usual. The Circularity Gap Report shows where value leakage occurs, why it matters, and how circular thinking can transform losses into opportunities. Are we ready to rethink how value is created?
Speakers:
- Tatjana Karpenja, Business Developer Sustainability & Digitalisation, Circular Business Lab, RISE
- Ulrika Vejbrink, Innovation- and Process Manager, Circular Business Lab, RISE
A part of the Swepass Open Project Meeting
Webinar 12 March:
Avoiding one‑offs in the construction industry – tailored and sustainable mass‑production in timber.
Today, most buildings are constructed as one‑offs, with dimensions, building systems and materials that are unique. Smart prefab systems can streamline manufacturing, installation, maintenance and reuse – without compromising architectural quality. How can architects, prefab manufacturers and construction companies work together to avoid one‑offs? Hear Jens Lundqvist, Lundqvist Trävaru AB and Camilla Schlyter, RISE present latest research insights, followed by a discussion with value‑chain representatives on these issues in relation to the new Ecodesign Directive.
Speaker:
- Jens Lundqvist, Vice president & Director of Development, Lundqvist Trävaru AB
- Camilla Schlyter, Researcher and Architect, RISE
Date: 12 March 2026, 11:30 - 12:20
Webinar 19 March:
Can We Make the Timber Industry Bright Again?
How Can New Laws and Regulations Create a Promising Future for Timber Construction?
Speaker:
- Fredrik Westin, CEO, Swedish Wood Protection Association
Date: 19 March 2026, 11:30 - 12:20
Speakers
Programme
Event material
Speakers
Fredrik Westin
CEO, Swedish Wood Protection Association
Fredrik Westin is giving a lecture:
- Webinar 19 March on topic: "Can We Make the Timber Industry Bright Again? How Can New Laws and Regulations Create a Promising Future for Timber Construction?"
- Workshop 25 August: Introduction: "Wake-up call, opportunities and risks" provides an overview of the current situation in the industry.
Tatjana Karpenja
Business Developer Sustainability & Digitalisation, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
Tatjana Karpenja is giving lecture:
- Webinar 4 March on topic: CEO Outlook & Circularity Gap Report: The 600-Billion-Kronor Question – Where Is Sweden’s Value Going?
- Workshop 25 August: Presentation on topic: "What does the new Ecodesign Regulation mean?". She explains the new sustainability requirements for products.
Ulrika Vejbrink
Innovation- and Process Manager, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
Ulrika Vejbrinkis giving a lecture:
- Webinar 4 March on topic: CEO Outlook & Circularity Gap Report: The 600-Billion-Kronor Question – Where Is Sweden’s Value Going?
- Workshop 25 August: Presentations on circularity – first an introduction to what circular business models entail and how profitability can be created through them, followed by an in-depth look at how products can be designed to function within a circular business model.
Camilla Schlyter
Researcher and Architect, RISE Reseaerch Institutes of Sweden
Camilla Schlyter from RISE will give a lecture:
- 12 March on new research insights, and representatives from across the value chain will discuss these issues in relation to the new Ecodesign Directive.
Jens Lundqvist
Vice president & Director of Development, Lundqvist Trävaru AB
Jens Lundqvist present
- 12 March on new research insights, and representatives from across the value chain will discuss these issues in relation to the new Ecodesign Directive.
Robin Ljungar
Sustainbility Manage, Swedish Federation of Wood and Furniture Industry
Robin Ljungar will present at the
- Workshop 25 August
Programme
25 August (exact time to be announced)
Introduction: "Wake-up call – opportunities and risks", Fredrik Westin, The Swedish Wood Protection Association, presents an overview of the current situation in the industry.
Short Seminar: "What does the new Ecodesign Regulation mean?", Tatjana Karpenja, Circular Business Lab at RISE, explains the new sustainability requirements for products.
Small‑group discussion: What is the situation for you today, and how are you adapting? What is most urgent for you?’
Break
Short Seminar: "What is circularity and circular business models?", Ulrika Vejbrink, Circular Business Lab at RISE, discusses how circularity can generate business value.
Small‑group discussion: "How do you work with circular aspects?"
Short Seminar: "Designing for circularity", Ulrika Vejbrink, Circular Business Lab at RISE, shares insights on how to design products suited to circular business models.
Break
Small‑group work: How do you work with circular aspects? What are your biggest challenges?
Group sharing & discussion
Conclusion
Event material
