Renewable carbon and the circular economy - Unlocking the role of woodbased value chains

Renewable carbon is carbon originating from a sustainably sourced renewable resource that can be naturally or artificially grown or replenished within aforeseeable time frame by processes found in nature. Unlike fossil carbon from the geosphere, renewable carbon does not reintroduce long-stored carbon into the atmosphere, making it a more sustainable option.Sustainably sourced wood provides a reliable, renewable, material, offering various applications in construction, furniture, packaging, clothing, bio-chemicals and renewable energy. Renewable raw materials, such as wood, play a crucial role in developing a more circular economy. As losses and degradation always take place, no material can be reused or recycled forever. Virgin renewable raw materials can be supplied according to principles of circular economy, for example wood from regenerative forestry.These wood-based solutions align with the objectives of the European Commission’s proposed EU Circular Economy Act, which aims to transform industrial resource use, minimise waste, and boost Europe’s competitiveness. Wood can serve as an effective alternative to non-renewable materials like plastics. When combining with other construction materials like concrete and steel, wood can pave the way towards more sustainable low-carbon building.Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the role of wood-based value chains and renewable carbon in achieving a more circular economy in Europe. Questions to be discussed include:- What role do wood-based value chains currently play in the EU circular economy? What is their potential?- How can the EU promote the utilisation of wood in hybrid construction?- What are the environmental benefits of the use of renewable carbon as a resource?- What policy measures are needed to benefit from renewable carbon and wood-base?