Raw material supply from the Swiss forests

Reliability of supply for timber processing industries

26.09.08 - Climate protection, energy and reliable supplies are becoming an ever more important issue for public debate. Increasing oil prices lead to greater demand for wood as a raw material. Its significance as a CO2-neutral raw material is also increasing. Timber processing works and the operators of biomass power stations are posing the question, in which regions and in what quantities can timber be made available in the short term and long term?

In a market study the most important players and the structures of the Swiss timber market are identified and analysed. The focus was on wood for industrial and energy production purposes, wood waste and wood residues. The study is concerned with the following questions:

• Who are the most important players in forestry in Switzerland? How are they interlinked with one another?
• In what regions are timber from forestry, wood waste and wood residues particularly available (specific quantities)?
• How are these quantities utilised today?
• How is the supply of timber likely to develop?

The study provides information to identify potential locations for biomass power stations, and in particular to ensure the short-term and long-term supply of raw materials.