German Sawmilling and Timber Industry Association Calls for Increased Use of Local Wood Resources

With Germany facing major raw wood and energy challenges due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Germany’s Sawmilling and Timber Industry Association (DeSH) is calling for the country to begin planning on ways to end its dependency on fossil and imported resources, especially in regard to the energy sector.

In a statement, DeSH said, “The interruption of supply chains and production not only has serious consequences for the work and livelihood of many people, but also for the transport of goods of all kinds and the secure supply of heat and electricity.”

The statement went onto say “At the same time, climate change is progressing and requires a consistent shift towards sustainable and renewable materials in all areas of life.”

DeSH further argues that the strengthening of the processing and use of hardwood in Germany as a political goal has been slowed down by far-reaching bans on forest use and unclear framework conditions. It also argues for lifting of the existing logging moratoria for beech forests, subsidy programs for the material use of hardwood in durable products, and preservation of supply chains through capacity expansion in timber transport.

DeSH concludes that, “The supply chains in the timber industry from the forest to the factory to the construction site require a large amount of personnel and transport capacities, which have been severely affected by the war. In the short term, the slump in drivers and freight options should be compensated for by expanding the remaining capacities.”