Wood-based panel manufacturer Egger has revealed it is continuing to support forest regeneration through multi-species tree planting, improving the biodiversity of forests and enhancing wildlife and water quality. According to the company, mixed forests are more resilient to pests, diseases, and climatic disturbances, contributing to long-term carbon storage potential and supporting higher levels of biodiversity. As part of its sustainable operations, Egger has a buying strategy that focuses on sourcing 90% of its wood supply from within 100 miles of its plants.
The wood used in Egger's production comes from 100% verified legal and controlled sources according to ISO 38200. Certification (by independent certification bodies FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) and PEFC plus ISO38200) ensures Egger’s conformity with environmental and social standards.
Sawmill by products, namely hackchips, sawdust and industrial roundwood, are used in its chipboard production plants based in Northumberland and Ayrshire, alongside recycled wood, which is collected and sorted by its subsidiary company Timberpak. These by products would otherwise be burnt, used as animal bedding or go to landfill.
Max McLaughlan, head of wood purchasing & forestry at Egger UK, said: “As a society we need wood, to build and furnish our homes, to package our goods, to write and print on, and in the UK, coniferous forests fulfil some of that need. A modern forest is made up of many tree species as well as open space, and provides multiple benefits for everyone. A place to walk, ride your bike and enjoy nature, but also to grow the timber that we all need. At Egger we use some of that timber to make useful and long lived products that can be recycled at the end of their use to keep the carbon locked up for decades. We all need wood, we should grow much more of it.”
Egger Group has signed up to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and also has its own ambitious climate strategy to drastically reduce its climate-impacting emissions (both in its own production processes and those up and down the supply chain), with the ultimate target of net zero 2050.
