A Renaissance of wood: a new chapter opens in construction and manufacturing

Is it possible that wind turbine towers, furniture, or even apartment buildings will soon be built using wood? Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) has been used in Lithuania for about a decade, but with increasing sustainability demands, this material is transforming from a niche technology into a real alternative to steel and concrete. One company seeing the potential of this material is VMG Lignum, which is developing construction systems to promote the use of LVL in the building, energy, and furniture sectors.

Sustainability has become the standard

LVL is a structural material made by layering and gluing wood veneer. This process creates a strong and reliable product that, while still seen as a novelty in Lithuania, is already changing the game in construction, furniture production, and energy. In Western countries, LVL has been used for more than 50 years, but local markets still face lingering stereotypes.

"LVL has been used in Lithuania for over a decade, yet it’s still seen as new. Meanwhile, globally, such materials have been used since the 1960s. What’s changing now is the European Union's green policy – sustainable, efficient materials are becoming the norm," says Arnas Januska, Head of Sales at VMG Lignum.

One of the biggest advantages of LVL, he explains, is wood usage efficiency. More usable product can be obtained from the same log compared to traditional sawn timber. In addition, the material enables lighter yet stronger structures.

"LVL allows for elements up to 18 metres long, offering an impressive strength-to-stability ratio. Unlike natural boards, which may have knots or weak spots, each LVL component is calculated precisely and uniform throughout its length," he notes.

Januska adds that LVL is also valued for its predictable fire-resistance properties. Although many still assume wood is less safe than metal, studies show the opposite: metal loses strength quickly at high temperatures, while LVL burns slowly and maintains load-bearing capacity far longer.

From furniture to wind turbines

LVL is now a universal material, entering new markets. A striking example is wind turbine towers, traditionally made from concrete or steel. Due to high CO₂ emissions and complex transport, more European manufacturers are turning to alternatives – including wood.

"Towers made from LVL are an ecologically revolutionary solution – lighter, easier to transport, and quicker to assemble. They can be as durable as metal towers but have a significantly lower environmental impact," Januska explains.

LVL is also ideal for prefabricated (panel and modular) buildings, where high precision and factory-made components are required. Thanks to its superior length, shape stability, and strength, LVL ensures both quality and production speed – critical in today’s construction projects.

"We use LVL not only in furniture and frame construction – it's also used in concrete formwork, scaffolding, bridge structures, even doors and staircases. It's one of the strongest, yet easily workable materials that pairs well with other wood products," Januska adds.

He notes that even the largest and most experienced furniture manufacturers are switching from sawn timber to engineered wood. "One of our biggest clients plans to use LVL in about 80% of sofa-bed frames. That’s a significant shift. It's estimated that up to a third of all LVL production could soon go to the furniture sector," he says.

What’s holding back progress?

Despite its technological potential, LVL’s expansion in Lithuania is hindered by a few key factors. The first is a lack of knowledge. While architects are keen to innovate, they often encounter engineers without the necessary design and calculation skills.

"In Lithuania, engineers are still mostly trained for steel and concrete – wooden structures haven’t been thoroughly taught at universities for decades. If we want efficient timber-based design, education reform is needed, especially for young professionals," Januska insists.

Another barrier is regulation. Though EU standards support the wide use of LVL in both residential and public buildings, Lithuanian institutions remain cautious, particularly regarding fire safety requirements.

Sustainability regulations are also becoming stricter for material producers. The new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires full traceability of timber – from harvest to processing.

"This means more documentation and greater accountability. We're already using lower-emission adhesives, investing in automation, and implementing raw material traceability systems. These are not costs – they’re investments in the future," he emphasises.

While Lithuania is still paving the way, Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands demonstrate that LVL can become an industry standard, not just a niche solution. Meanwhile, Lithuanian manufacturers are eyeing markets like the US and Australia, where wooden construction is common and sustainability standards favour advanced materials.