Innovationssamarbejde (Erhvervsfyrtårnet for Biosolutions)
Upcycling inferior Danish wood for quality barrel oak
This project pioneers a new circular pathway by enhancing Danish oak with lignin, transforming low-value sapwood into a high-performance material for spirit maturation and therefore reducing dependence on imported wood.
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Danish oak forests provide abundant but unused wood fractions such as sapwood. Through lignin impregnation and advanced maturation technologies, these materials can be upgraded into valuable components for high-quality spirits (photo: iStock)
Upcycling Danish wood for high-value applications
Today, most barrel-aged spirits depend on American oak due to its high lignin content and strong extraction profile. Danish oak, by contrast, is typically considered unsuitable for maturation because it lacks the aromatic compounds needed to shape flavor. As a result of this, large volumes of local wood residues remain as low-value or unused.
This project aims to change this by applying a breakthrough lignin-impregnation technology developed at the University of Copenhagen. Based on a patented method for fully solubilizing lignin in simple solvents, researchers can now infuse Danish oak sapwood with ligning, enabling it to function as a viable maturation material.
From wood residues to next-generation maturation material
Hvalsø Savværk contributes production leftovers and sapwood fractions, with are impregnated with lignin and tested for their performance in spirit maturation. This creates new value streams for the sawmill but also support more sustainable wood utilization in Denmark.
EtOH Spirits evaluates the modified wood using its patented ultrasonic reactor technology. By monitoring the outcomes, the project will determine how lignin-enhanced Danish wood compares to traditional American oak in whisky, rum, and other spirits.
Together, the partners are building a circular, biobased innovation pathway that strengthens regional sustainability and reduces reliance on imported materials.
Project title
Upcycling inferior Danish wood for quality barrel oak
Financed by
The innovation collaboration is initiated by Erhvervsfyrtårnet for Biosolutions and is carried out with support from the Danish Board of Business Development and co-financed by the EU.
Project participants
- EtOH Spirits ApS
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management
- Hvalsø Savværk A/S
Kathrine Lykke Kirk
Erhvervsfyrtårnet for Biosoluitons
Gør Danmark verdensledende inden for udviklingen af biosolutions
Erhvervsfyrtårnet for Biosolutions hjælper virksomheder i hele landet med innovation og opskalering af biobaserede løsninger på fysiske faciliteter.
Erhvervsfyrtårnet for Biosolutions gennemføres med støtte fra Danmarks Erhvervsfremmebestyrelse og medfinansieres af den Europæiske Union.