Forest Bioeconomy as a Game Changer?

Forests and their products can contribute to decarbonizing our economy, restoring biodiversity, and generating inclusive growth, as long as they are managed sustainably.

The use of fossil raw materials is the leading cause of climate change. The use of fossil raw materials cannot be eliminated unless they are also replaced by forest bioeconomy products.The forest bioeconomy plays an important and diverse role in mitigating and adapting to climate change. For example, the construction industry, which is dominated by concrete and steel, could become more sustainable by incorporating wood. It is estimated that for every ton of concrete replaced by a ton of wood, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by up to 2.1 tons over the product's lifetime. 4 Wood-based fibers could replace synthetic fibers in the textile industry, lowering the carbon footprint. Biodegradable wood paperboard can replace polluted and low-recycled plastic packaging in the packaging industry.

However, the sustainability of the bioeconomy should not be assumed by default. Instead, before making that assumption, more research, innovation and monitor are needed. Only If forest resources are managed sustainably for people and the planet, they have the potential to decarbonize our economy, restore biodiversity, and generate inclusive growth. The bioeconomy component that uses wood as a raw material must coexist with the other social and ecological functions of forests. Future development of the forest bioeconomy must involve a diverse network of actors, including consumers, forest owners, manufacturers of wood products, designers, academics, and policymakers.