Industrielle Verwertung
Austria’s Styria region, known as the country’s most forested area, is grappling with challenges in its forestry sector, with a growing focus on increased industrial use of hardwood. Experts emphasize the need for diverse forest management to ensure economically viable practices.
Sixty percent of Styria is covered in forestland. Representatives from Styrian regional politics and the European Union met in Brussels on March 21 to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the forestry industry, coinciding with International Day of Forests.
€12 Billion in Economic Value
Forestry in Styria provides approximately 55,000 jobs and generates an economic value of around €12 billion. Styrian Provincial Councilor Simone Schmiedtbauer emphasized the importance of investment in research, often supported by EU funds. The goal is to increase the industrial use of hardwood to make forests more climate-resilient and economically attractive.
The Importance of Forest Diversity
Thomas Waitz, a forester and EU Member of Parliament, pointed to the dominance of spruce in Styrian forests, which is threatened by climate-related damage such as bark beetle infestations. Diverse forest management, with mixed stands and avoiding clear-cutting, is necessary to adapt the forest to future climate changes.
Waitz noted that funding is often a key factor, stating, “For these models, a corresponding wood price is also needed, which covers the management. If the change looks like we are creating proper industrial added value from our wood, then that has a real future for Austria.”
Hardwood Components in Industry
Industries like Siemens in rail transport and BMW in automobiles are already leading the way in developing hardwood components. This offers a positive outlook for the economic use of the forest.
