Impregnation of timber is one of the biggest sources of heavy metal pollution in Europe. SIBLARCH aims to develop Siberian larch as an environmentally sound alternative to impregnated timber in the Northern Periphery. The three main issues under investigation in the project are: 1. Develop Siberian larch timber in wooden products for outdoor use 2. Develop methods for establishment of Siberian larch forest stands 3. Evaluate Siberian larch family tests in Scandinavia, Finland, Russia and Iceland The project will be performed in cooperation with saw mill industries and wood industries in Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden and North West Russia. Expected Results: The project aims to lead to higher value uses of the natural resource of larch and enhance the economic value of products created from larch as a natural substitute to impregnated wood. This should solve part of the heavy metal pollution problem in Europe. The project involves partners from Iceland, Norway, Finland and NW Russia and supports the exchange of know-how within an established and extended international network. The project will result in an increased commercialisation of product ideas, developed in co-operation with research institutes, and promotes timber business between Scandinavia and NW Russia.