Poland remains a leading player in the timber industry, ranking first in the European Union for the production and export of several wood products, including flooring and furniture. In 2023, the value of furniture production in Poland reached PLN 65.1 billion, matching the value of paper products. The timber sector, which includes 74,615 companies and employs 439,000 people, contributes 6.8% to Poland's GDP.
Photo: Dreamstime.
However, the future of Poland's position in the global timber market faces uncertainties, particularly with recent decisions from the Ministry of Climate and Environment. These decisions, which involve restricting forest use, are raising concerns in the industry. The Coalition for Polish Timber has warned that excluding 20% of forests from sustainable management could lead to serious social, economic, and ecological consequences. The coalition highlights that such moves could damage forest health, reduce timber supply, and harm the economy, including causing potential job losses in forestry and related sectors.
Additionally, the coalition stresses the growing importance of wood as a sustainable material for future construction, as it helps reduce CO2 emissions. With increasing EU regulations promoting the use of low-emission materials, wood is seen as key in achieving environmental goals. The Polish government's proposed forest restrictions could undermine the country's competitive edge and hinder the timber industry's role in climate action.
The Coalition for Polish Timber has called for a balanced approach to forest management, urging the government to reconsider its stance on forest usage restrictions and to focus on sustainable practices that support both environmental goals and the timber industry's future.
Source: www.biznes.meble.pl