Fiberwood Ltd’s wood-based acoustic panel placed third in the Uusi puu 2026 public vote. Made using forest industry side streams, the panel represents high-value-added wood-based products that create new uses for industrial raw material streams.
Voters praised the use of forest industry side streams, the panels’ appearance and the ability to improve room acoustics.
“A great innovation for making use of side streams.”
“Acoustic panels would be welcome in many spaces to reduce loud background noise. These panels are both environmentally friendly and attractive.”
“The wood-based acoustic panel is an environmentally friendly and interesting alternative to conventional acoustic materials.”
Uusi puu presented the nominees on its website and social media channels, and the public voted for their favourites throughout September. A total of 852 votes were cast on social media.
“This year’s nominees represented a very diverse range of products that can already be made from wood, from cosmetics to interior materials,” says Virpi Korhonen, Project Manager at Uusi puu.
Food packaging paper wins, lignin-based epoxy takes second place
The public vote was won by Metsä FreshPack food packaging paper, developed by Metsä Greaseproof Papers. The moisture- and grease-resistant paper is used to package products such as fast food and baked goods.
FreshPack is made from fossil-free raw materials. Its protective properties are based on natural polymers, minerals and a dense fibre structure created during manufacturing. The paper contains no PFAS compounds, polyethylene or latex.
LignoSphere’s lignin-based epoxy adhesive and coating took second place. Like Fiberwood’s acoustic panel, it makes use of forest industry side streams.
Winners announced at Metsäpäivät
The results were announced at the national Metsäpäivät event on Thursday, 22 October 2026, at Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport.
Uusi puu showcases wood-based solutions already on the market, their societal impact and the future of the sector. The initiative raises awareness of the wood-based bioeconomy among influential stakeholders and political decision-makers.
Both Metsäpäivät and Uusi puu are initiatives of the Finnish Forest Association. Uusi puu’s main funder is the Finnish Forest Foundation, which supports activities that strengthen the vitality of the forest sector.
Photo: Vilma Issakainen
From left to right: Johanna Lahti, Chair of the Uusi puu Steering Group; Kiira Seppälä, Product Development Manager at Metsä Tissue; Kalle Lintinen, Chief Technology Officer at LignoSphere; Jani Lehmonen, Senior Production and Material Technology Development Manager at Fiberwood; and Martta Fredrikson, Managing Director of the Finnish Forest Foundation.
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Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
