The timber industry plays an important role in the Austrian and European economy. With its long tradition and the provision of high-quality raw materials for various branches of industry, it offers numerous economic advantages. However, the industry also faces major challenges. Climate change, rising raw material prices and increasing competitive pressure are forcing companies to adapt their processes and break new ground. TATEKU Innovation supports the industry in facing up to these challenges and at the same time utilising new opportunities.
Shortage of raw materials and price increases
One of the biggest factors currently affecting the timber industry is the shortage of raw materials. The availability of wood is becoming increasingly limited due to climate change and increased demand. At the same time, prices for wood products are rising, which increases production costs for companies.
TATEKU Innovation offers solutions to tackle these challenges. Innovative technologies for the more efficient use of wood through new processing methods and the utilisation of previously unused types of wood such as birch, beech or poplar enable companies to reduce their dependence on competitive raw material ranges and leverage new raw material potential.
Technological innovations as the key to the future
Digitalisation and automation offer the timber industry great opportunities to reposition itself. TATEKU Innovation supports companies in the development of technologies such as digital twins and AI-supported production processes. These technologies enable more precise control of production processes, reduce waste and increase efficiency.
The more targeted monitoring and analysis of data in both forestry and the timber industry is already providing new insights: One example of this is the monitoring of production facilities in real time. Problems can be recognised and rectified at an early stage, which not only reduces costs but also continuously improves product quality. In addition, measurement data along the forestry and wood value chain provides valuable information that is also crucial for the development of unutilised wood species. These findings result in innovations that make the European timber industry future-proof and competitive.
Sustainable strategies: Economic efficiency and climate protection
Climate protection is not only a moral obligation, but also an economic factor. Consumers, partner companies - and the TATEKU Group itself - are placing more and more value on sustainable products and self-contained processes. Companies that internalise this in their choice of raw materials, their personnel policy and their interaction with their environment can position themselves better on the market and win new customers.
TATEKU Innovation develops technologies that enable ecologically responsible forest management and resource-saving wood processing. The entire value chain is optimised, from forestry and processing through to the end product and its potential reusability. Projects such as the introduction of climate-resistant tree species or the utilisation of residual materials in pyrolysis create ecological and economic benefits.
Cooperation and promotion as a success factor
One of the strengths of the wood industry, particularly in Austria, is its networking. Companies work closely with universities, research institutions and politicians as well as other companies in the wood industry to realise innovative projects. TATEKU Innovation actively promotes this co-operation.
By forming project consortia consisting of renowned partners from science and industry, as well as other subsidiaries of the TATEKU Group, the innovative strength of the industry is strengthened. At the same time, TATEKU Innovation helps companies to secure funding for projects that enable the transition to more sustainable production.
Opportunities through new markets
In addition to the challenges, the wood industry also offers enormous growth opportunities, particularly on international markets and in sectors where there are currently hardly any wood-based products to be found. The demand for sustainable building materials and biogenic raw materials is rising sharply worldwide in order to permanently replace conventional or fossil alternatives. Austrian and European companies have the opportunity here to utilise their expertise and position themselves as pioneers.
TATEKU Innovation supports this process by developing market-ready technologies, such as the pyrolysis of agricultural and forestry residues, which can be used both in Europe and internationally. This not only strengthens the competitiveness of domestic companies, but also contributes to achieving global climate targets.
Challenges as an opportunity for growth
The wood industry in Europe has the potential to play a leading role in the sustainable transformation of the economy. With innovative technologies, strategic collaboration and a focus on sustainability, companies can turn the current challenges into opportunities.
TATEKU Innovation shows how innovation and tradition can go hand in hand. By combining research, technology and sustainable practices, the wood industry becomes future-proof and competitive.

