Wood-based bioeconomy. Sustainable, circular, climate-resilient

The wood-based bioeconomy can make an important contribution to a sustainable economy. This requires a systemic approach that takes into account economic, ecological and social aspects: The forest is a supplier of raw materials, a recreational area and provides other ecosystem services in addition to climate protection, but is itself affected by climate change. The aim is to conserve resources and use them efficiently, i.e. to recycle products for as long as possible with high added value and to use them several times in cascades. The goal is to decouple economic growth from raw material consumption and contribute to a "circular economy". The publication focuses on the material use of wood. Innovative examples from various sectors of the economy were examined, favourable factors as well as obstacles were identified and recommendations for action for politics, science, business and society were derived. The policy should establish the priority of material use and restrict energy use to wood assortments that cannot be recycled. Tenders should be oriented towards sustainability criteria and companies should be encouraged to consider the principle of "design for re-use and recycling" in product development. In addition, society needs to be broadly involved in order to discuss conflicting goals at an early stage.