A new group of 14 EU trade associations, including manufacturers of high-quality wood, fibre, paper and board products, and packaging, as well as renewable energy solutions, supported by EU forest owners and managers, has formed a cross-sectoral coalition. Its goal is to present EU policymakers with a shared vision for 2030, which would accelerate the transition to a circular bioeconomy.

The coalition has released a document detailing shared challenges, needs and solutions. It is also backed by six associations associated with the forestry sector.

This is considered the broadest coalition representing these value chains. In total, its members account for 3% of EU GDP, a turnover of 520 billion euros and 20% of EU manufacturing companies. They are an integrated part of the EU bioeconomy, using local renewable materials produced and processed in Europe, and employing European technologies. They hope to work with EU institutions to create a favourable policy environment for the sectors to jointly achieve climate change mitigation equivalent to 30% of EU annual CO₂ emissions. In 2019, this figure was 20%.

To achieve the coalition's goals, the EU's leading role as a provider of competitive alternative solutions must be strengthened. European wood and fibre value chains are seen as the laboratory for a future circular bioeconomy.

To reach climate neutrality by 2050, the European Union must work with the coalition to accelerate the deployment of bio-based products, boost investment in green technologies for manufacturing processes and supply chains, and support the transition to sustainable consumption, while implementing policies to promote the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry.

The competitiveness of these sectors has been affected by the energy crisis and issues related to the supply of strategic raw materials. Wood products, paper and board products and packaging, as well as renewable energy solutions, ensure European strategic autonomy by providing a valuable source of raw materials, secondary raw materials and technology management.

EPF Chairman Martin Brettenthaler said: “Wood-based panels are an indispensable material for furniture, construction, packaging and many everyday applications. We call on policymakers to work with us to ensure that industry, and the circular bioeconomy in particular, is at the heart of this social, economic and environmental transition.”