Roadmap Aims to Strengthen the Swedish Hardwood Industry
Although hardwood species account for around one-fifth of Sweden’s growing stock, large volumes are still used today as pulpwood or fuelwood. At the same time, the Swedish furniture and interior design industries rely heavily on imports. The roadmap identifies structures within forestry and industry that have historically evolved with a focus on softwood species and discusses how these need to be complemented to ensure that Swedish hardwood is used in more value-added products.
Integrated part of the sector
The roadmap’s objective is for hardwood to become a natural and integrated part of Sweden’s forest sector and bioeconomy by 2040, and for Sweden to have taken significant steps toward a more diversified, competitive, and sustainable forest industry.
“The proportion of hardwood trees in Sweden has increased steadily over recent decades and is now becoming a significant resource for forest landowners. If we want to benefit from the opportunities offered by sustainable hardwood and mixed-species forestry, we need to view hardwood as an important component of Sweden’s raw material base and collaborate throughout the entire value chain. Now is the right time for a joint national initiative to promote Swedish hardwood,” says Lotta Woxblom, Senior Researcher at Skogforsk, who participated in developing the roadmap.
The Right Raw Material for the Right Product Creates Value and Diversity
The roadmap is based on the principle of matching the right quality of raw material to the right end use. More hardwood can be processed into long-lasting, higher-value products, while softwood and the pulp and energy sectors continue to play important roles. Increased use of Swedish hardwood will encourage forest owners to continue investing in hardwood species, benefiting biodiversity, increasing forest diversity, and creating more resilient forest ecosystems.
Collaboration – the Key to Success
A key conclusion is that progress will require collaboration across the entire value chain—from researchers and forest owners to industry and markets. International examples demonstrate that thriving hardwood industries already exist, including in climatic regions comparable to Sweden.
The roadmap was developed through a collaboration between Swedish Wood, Träcentrum, the Småland Forest and Wood Strategies initiative, and Skogforsk.