Study on raw material use of roundwood-processing operations in Germany 

As part of the “Wood Raw Material Monitoring” project conducted by the Thünen Institute of Forest Economics, all companies in Germany that process roundwood into sawn timber was surveyed regarding their use of raw materials. The survey was conducted by BERENT on behalf of the Thünen Institute. The aim of the study was to obtain a comprehensive overview of wood consumption in the German sawmilling industry. 

More than 3,500 sawmills throughout Germany received a written invitation to participate in this census survey. The data collected on roundwood consumption, sawn timber production volumes, and other site-specific information showed how much raw wood is actually used at individual operating locations. At the same time, the results will make it possible to identify structural changes within the industry and trace material flows. 

The Wood Raw Material Monitoring project was launched in 1999 at the initiative of stakeholders in the wood market and under the leadership of Professor Udo Mantau. Since then, it has developed into an important foundation for forestry and wood-market policy decisions. The German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Home Affairs (BMLEH) has assigned responsibility for the project as a permanent task to the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, the Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries. Dr. Jochem and Dr. Glasenapp of the Thünen Institute of Forest Economics will coordinate the survey activities. The German Sawmill and Timber Industry Association (DeSH) supports the project.