EU Wood Products and Waste Markets: Trends, Trade Dynamics, and Sustainability Perspective

Abstract

The transition to circular bioeconomy in the European Union prioritizes efficient wood resource utilization and waste reduction. This study investigated interrelationships among production of sawnwood and particleboard, as well as intra- and extra-EU wood waste trade from 2004 to 2023 to evaluate alignment with sustainability and climate policy objectives. Eurostat data were analyzed using correlation, cross-correlation, and regression analyses. Sawnwood production peaked at 113.1 million cubic meters in 2007 and declined to 88.3 million cubic meters in 2023. Particleboard production decreased from 80.3 to 52.2 million cubic meters over the same period. Wood waste generation reached 63.1 million tonnes in 2008 and fell to 46.8 million tonnes in 2022, during which time the wood processing sector reduced waste by nearly 68%. No consistent relationship was identified between sawnwood production and internal wood waste trade, nor between internal waste trade and particleboard production. Imports of wood waste demonstrated delayed positive effects on production, and a moderate positive relationship was observed between internal waste trade and waste imports. Using wood residues for energy recovery limits its availability for higher value applications. These findings emphasize the necessity for policies that balance renewable energy targets with long-term material circularity.