Italy and Austria join forces for a sustainable wood supply chain, focusing on innovation and self-sufficiency

Despite being a strategic sector for the country's economy, the wood industry in Italy faces significant dependence on imports, with 80% of its timber coming from abroad. This has led to the need to develop a more sustainable and integrated strategy to address both economic and environmental challenges. In this context, the collaboration between Italy and Austria is a significant response to strengthen the wood sector at the European level.

Strategic collaboration between Italy and Austria

The alliance between Italy and Austria aims to strengthen the wood supply chain through shared initiatives that encourage self-sufficiency and sustainability. One of the main objectives of the collaboration is to reduce dependence on imports by promoting more efficient management of domestic forest resources. This approach aims not only to reduce environmental impact but also to contain the costs associated with the supply of raw materials.

The Wood Supply Chain Federation, together with key players in the sector, has identified several areas for action to achieve these goals. Among these, reducing bureaucracy and optimizing forest planning are considered fundamental steps in streamlining production and administrative processes. In addition, timber certification ensures that products are of superior quality and comply with sustainable standards, a quality that is increasingly in demand in the global market.

Furthermore, significant investment in training and research is a pillar of the strategy, promoting innovation and the development of new technologies in the wood sector. This will not only increase the competitiveness of Italian and Austrian companies, but also create new highly specialized job opportunities, contributing to the economic growth of the regions involved.

The collaboration between these two countries also fits into a broader European context, where there is a growing focus on sustainability and innovation in the wood industry. The long-term goal is to create a more resilient supply chain that is less dependent on import flows and able to respond quickly to fluctuations in the global market.

Despite these efforts, a slight market downturn is expected in 2024, mainly due to international economic factors affecting global demand for wood products. However, the strategies put in place, focused on sustainability and efficiency, provide a solid foundation for addressing these challenges with greater confidence and adaptability.