Scientific proof: beechwood use for renewable carbon materials strengthens forest health and supports climate change mitigation.
To accelerate industrial decarbonization, UPM is building the world’s first large-scale biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, converting sustainably sourced and steadily regrowing beech wood into high-value biochemicals.
- European beech, Fagus sylvaticy, is a native species in Germany and Central Europe. It has proven to be a climate fit species, resilient to biotic and abiotic hazards.
- Beech forests have continued growing for the past decade, and have remained as a significant carbon sink.
- Near nature management and diverse forest structure are common in beech forests. Natural regeneration is mainstreamed and over 85 per cent of the forests are grown in two or more tree age classes.
- Climate smart management of forests require promotion of beech, mixed species stands and active management such as thinning to facilitate growth.
- Beech harvesting is at low levels, and clearly below annual allowable cuts.
- Beech value creation potential has been neglected. The majority of beech is being burnt for energ purposes.
- Beech forestry is highly sustainable. Forest certifications ensure third party verification of sustainable practices.
- Beech is sourced regionally. Short supply chains are transparent, secure and benefit the local economy.