Wood and Furniture

Integra Pirineus Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in 2011 and based in the rural and mountain areas of the Catalan Pyrenees. Its mission is to promote the social and labour inclusion of people at risk of social exclusion, particularly individuals with intellectual disabilities or mental health disorders, through meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities linked to forest-based activities. The foundation operates in a territory affected by demographic decline and limited job opportunities, while at the same time holding high environmental value and exposure to climate-related risks. Since its inception, Integra Pirineus has developed a social innovation model centred on sustainable forest management as a tool for social inclusion, wildfire prevention and local economic development. To date, more than 900 hectares of forest have been managed and over 24,500 tonnes of wood have been harvested—biomass that would otherwise contribute to large-scale wildfires. Of this amount, more than 11,000 tonnes have been processed and supplied as woodchips for renewable energy production, feeding biomass boilers in hospitals, primary care centres, schools, town halls and sports facilities across the region. In parallel, the foundation supplies timber to regional sawmills and, since 2024, has also started producing and distributing firewood to local households. These activities have enabled the creation of more than 50 jobs in the forestry sector for people in vulnerable situations. In 2024 alone, the organisation provided personalised guidance to 276 individuals in their social and labour integration pathways, of whom 21 were directly employed by the foundation. During the last winter season, more than 54 households benefited from the distribution of 101 tonnes of locally produced firewood, contributing to energy affordability and climate mitigation at local level. Building on this solid operational base, Integra Pirineus is currently expanding its infrastructure with the construction of a new shelter aimed at improving firewood production capacity and enabling the launch of new business lines. In the medium term, the foundation seeks to move towards higher value-added wood transformation processes, such as sawn timber for construction and other innovative wood-based products. Achieving this transition will require research and development activities, new technological solutions, design expertise and investment in machinery, with the objective of retaining greater economic value within the territory while creating additional inclusive employment opportunities. The foundation has previous experience participating in European-funded projects and collaborating with research centres, educational institutions, public authorities and social economy organisations. It is currently involved in projects funded by Erasmus+, LIFE and Next Generation EU, contributing practical expertise in sustainable forest management, training, social inclusion and territorial implementation. Through this R&D cooperation profile, Integra Pirineus seeks to engage with European partners within EU-funded programmes to co-develop innovative, inclusive and replicable forestry-based value chains that support climate action, rural resilience and social cohesion in mountain and rural regions across Europe. Advantages and innovations Integra Pirineus combines social inclusion with sustainable forest management, creating a unique model where forestry activities generate both environmental and social impact. The foundation’s approach prevents wildfires, supplies renewable energy biomass, and strengthens local economies. The innovative aspect lies in transitioning from basic biomass valorisation to higher value-added wood products, integrating new technologies, advanced machinery, and product design to maximise local economic retention. By fostering collaborations through EU-funded R&D programmes, the foundation seeks to co-develop solutions that are technically advanced, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable, creating replicable models for rural and mountain regions across Europe. This innovation addresses multiple EU priorities: climate action, green jobs, circular bioeconomy, and inclusive growth. Technical Specification or Expertise Sought - R&D expertise in wood transformation technologies and machinery. - Design and prototyping of innovative wood-based products. - Process optimisation for sawn timber and other value-added products. - Circular economy and sustainable forestry value chain development. - Socially inclusive business model implementation. Expected role of a partner The foundation seeks partners with expertise in R&D for wood transformation processes, machinery development, and innovative wood-based products. Partners are expected to contribute technical knowledge, co-design prototypes, test production processes, and support upscaling of new business lines. Collaborative partners may also provide training and guidance on implementing circular bioeconomy solutions and sustainable forestry value chains. The aim is to jointly develop solutions that are technically feasible, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and replicable in other European rural and mountain regions. Expected role of a partner The foundation seeks partners with expertise in R&D for wood transformation processes, machinery development, and innovative wood-based products. Partners are expected to contribute technical knowledge, co-design prototypes, test production processes, and support upscaling of new business lines. Collaborative partners may also provide training and guidance on implementing circular bioeconomy solutions and sustainable forestry value chains. The aim is to jointly develop solutions that are technically feasible, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and replicable in other European rural and mountain regions.