Von der Leyen explored Finnish bioeconomy innovations in Brussels

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva visited the New Wood exhibition at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, where they explored the latest Finnish innovations in the wood-based bioeconomy.

Among the highlights that drew their attention were wood-based textiles and sustainable packaging materials. The exhibition provided useful insights into the potential of bioeconomy, von der Leyen noted during the visit.

The New Wood exhibition was open for two weeks in the Berlaymont building, showcasing bio-based innovations developed in Finland. Visitors – including Commissioners, Ministers, Commission staff, and their guests – could gain first-hand experience of a wide range of actual, existing products that support Europe’s competitiveness, sustainable production and climate goals.

The exhibits included a wood-composite bathtub and a sparkling water maker – both already available to consumers. Many guests expressed surprise and enthusiasm on learning that the exhibits were not prototypes, but commercially viable solutions.

The exhibition was organized jointly by the Finnish Forest Association, the European Commission, the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU, and the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. It is funded by the member companies of the New Wood initiative and the Finnish Forest Foundation.

Next, the New Wood exhibition will head to Expo 2025 in Osaka. In Finland, it can be visited at the Finlandia Hall in Helsinki as part of a broader, permanent public exhibition launched in June.

For more on Finnish bioeconomy innovations, visit the Innovation page at Forest.fi.

Forest.fi and New Wood are initiatives of the Finnish Forest Association.