On January 5, 2025, Tomasz Wiktorski, owner of B+R Studio Tomasz Wiktorski, addressed the ongoing environmental concerns surrounding the timber, furniture, and paper industries in Poland. Wiktorski highlights the battle between environmentalists and these sectors, particularly the timber industry, which has become a target for perceived overexploitation under the guise of forest protection.
The team of B+R Studio Tomasz Wiktorski. Photo: Linkedin.
The forest, Wiktorski argues, is a vital resource, essential for both the environment and the economy. 'I care about the environment,' he states, 'I plant trees, I take the rubbish out of the forest, and I limit my electricity and plastic consumption.' Wiktorski illustrates the deep connection between the forest and the human need for shelter, furniture, paper, and other everyday items. He compares forests to crops, noting that their growth cycles are much longer, taking about 100 years for trees to fully mature. Unlike metal or plastic, which emit far higher levels of CO2 during production, wood sequesters carbon, offering a more sustainable option.
Wiktorski criticises the proposed limitations on timber harvesting, suggesting that such policies could harm Poland's thriving timber, furniture, and paper industries. In 2026, the State Forests, under the Ministry of Climate and Environment, plan to reduce timber harvesting by 21% compared to 2022. 'How will the industry react?' he asks. 'Lay off 21% of its employees? What about loans, investments, and jobs? Should workers retrain to build electric cars instead?' He argues that such measures could drive Poland's leading industries to the brink of collapse, jeopardising the livelihoods of countless workers and businesses.
Wiktorski emphasises the vital role of forests in Poland's economy. Since World War II, forest cover in Poland has increased by over 2.7 million hectares, representing nearly 9% of the country's land area. Forests now cover around 30% of Poland's territory, with timber resources tripling in that time. The industry, he claims, has invested heavily in forest management, ensuring sustainability by planting more trees than are harvested. For every tree felled, two are replanted.
He criticises the government for pursuing policies that appear to undermine this progress. 'Explain to me why the ruling coalition has embarked on a crusade against the timber industry,' Wiktorski questions. 'Under the guise of fighting tree felling, they are cutting down Polish timber, furniture, and paper industries.' Wiktorski believes there are more sustainable alternatives to protect forests than reducing timber harvesting. He suggests that such approaches could be less damaging to both the environment and the economy.
Highlighting the current state of Poland's timber and furniture industries, Wiktorski notes that the average export price of Polish furniture fell 18% in 2022, making Polish products more expensive compared to Chinese imports. He warns that further restrictions could further diminish competitiveness, particularly given rising raw material, electricity, and labour costs.
Wiktorski calls on policy-makers to rethink their approach to forest protection. 'There are other ways to protect forests than banning timber harvesting,' he asserts. 'Much less harmful to the forest, the environment, and the economy.' He suggests that more targeted strategies, such as improved forest management and innovation, could offer more sustainable solutions.
In conclusion, Wiktorski urges the government to reconsider its stance on forest protection and to explore policies that strike a balance between ecological sustainability and economic growth.
Source: biznes.meble.pl