Mapping wood flows to final product and energy uses in 2021 in the European Union

Wood products can help mitigate climate change, depending on the final uses. Unfortunately, final uses are difficult to track. This study presents a material flow analysis of wood use across the European Union in 2021, tracking flows from forest harvest to end-of-life. We estimate that a total of 594 million cubic meters in solid wood equivalents were directed to end-uses, with 53 % allocated to material uses and 47 % to energy. Of the biomass used for energy, 43 % originates from primary sources (fuelwood), while the remainder is derived from secondary and post-use wood streams. The construction sector accounts for 15 % of total wood end-uses, the second material use after paper and board (24 %). Our findings show that circularity and cascading practices already exist in the EU wood sector. They could be further strengthened through improved waste management and greater use of recovered post-consumer wood and residues in higher-value and long-lived applications. Our results provide an improved evidence base for policies aiming to enhance circularity and climate benefits in the European forest-based sector.

Citation

Orfanidou, T., Martinez, G. E., Järvikylä, J., Verkerk, P. J., & Cardellini, G. (2026). Mapping wood flows to final product and energy uses in 2021 in the European Union. Resources, Conservation & Recycling Advances, 30, 200331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcradv.2026.200331