Furniture makers and wood manufacturers in Poland say they may not be able to meet orders this year because they are running out of wood.
In response to demand, the State Forest has increased this year’s cut by an extra 1.5 million m3, but sawmill industry representatives are calling for three times that amount, saying what is on offer is “too little, too late”.
The Polish Economic Chamber of Wood Industry, which represents 90 enterprises employing some 25,000 workers, is calling for the levels of wood harvesting in Poland to be increased to the sort of levels seen in other European countries.
At present 56% of mature new growth can be harvested in Poland, compared to 65% in Germany and up to 75% in Scandinavia.
A chamber spokesperson said most of Poland’s lumber is sold to the home market, but around 14% of timber is exported along with significant amounts of other products such as wainscots, garden furniture and pallets, so adding to the country’s economy.
Another problem is that the State Forest is not allowed to enter into long-term contracts with the sawmill industry which the chamber said creates instability and limits the ability of businesses to develop.
The State Forest has said that while it is keen to help the industry it must be remembered that the forests are public property and it does not want to damage the natural balance of the woodlands or limit their use for tourism and recreation.
