Planted Forests: The Sustainable Paper Engine
Planted forests have become a solution to ensure the sustainability of the paper sector. Unlike the deforestation of natural forests, planted forests for paper production offer a responsible approach.
In this article, we expand on how these forest plantations support the production of Kraft paper, a material widely used in the packaging industry, the benefits they generate and the challenges associated with their responsible management.
Specific forest plantations for paper
Paper plantations are forest areas created and managed specifically for the production of pulp for the manufacture of paper and paper products. These plantations usually consist of fast-growing species such as eucalyptus, pine and poplar, selected for their ability to regenerate quickly and their efficiency in pulp production.
In Spain, this type of plantation occupies approximately 2.3% of the forest area, guaranteeing a sustainable supply for the production of various types of paper products, Kraft paper being one of them.
Sustainable forest management
Sustainable forest management involves practices that preserve forests while extracting resources for industrial production. These practices include:
- Reforestation of the areas used to ensure the continuity of the forest.
- Establishment of strict control to ensure a balance between felling and growth.
- Identify and cut only mature trees, preserving the younger and healthier ones so that they continue to grow and contribute to the ecosystem, as they absorb more carbon dioxide and help reduce greenhouse gases.
- Implementation of soil management practices.
- Strategic pruning to promote optimal tree development.
- Avoid practices that erode soil or pollute rivers and lakes.
- Long-term forestry planning with the implementation of sustainable strategies that include regeneration cycles, environmental monitoring and preventive measures against pests and diseases.
Certifications and sustainability standards
Certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) ensure that paper plantations meet sustainability standards.
These certifications ensure:
- That logging volumes do not exceed the regeneration capacity of the forest.
- The protection of ecosystems and biodiversity.
- The implementation of responsible practices throughout the production chain.
Environmental benefits
Sustainable forest management and the use of wood from specific forest plantations have a significant impact on environmental protection.
- Contribution to CO₂ absorption: Sustainably managed forests are natural carbon sinks. These plantations absorb an estimated 7.5 million tonnes of CO₂ per year.
- Reduced deforestation of primary forests: By relying on wood from dedicated plantations, pressure on primary forests is reduced. This approach preserves areas of virgin forest and protects the habitats of thousands of species.
- Encouraging reforestation: Each tree removed is replaced by a new one, maintaining the balance between harvesting and regeneration.
Economic and social impact
Sustainable forest plantation management not only has environmental benefits, but also an economic and social impact, especially in rural regions.
- Employment generation: Timber plantations and associated industries are important sources of employment in rural areas. Activities such as reforestation, cultivation, harvesting and wood processing require significant labour. This contributes to the creation of direct and indirect jobs, from forestry workers to operators in paper mills and local service providers such as transporters.
- Local economic development: Communities near plantations benefit from the creation of infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, necessary for transporting and processing timber. The industry also fosters other indirect economic opportunities, such as the creation of services like schools and restaurants.
The paper industry in Spain is a source of economic wealth, as well as an example of commitment to sustainability. Thanks to the certification of its processes and the responsible management of resources, this industry ensures a balance between economic development and environmental preservation, strengthening its relevance in the national and regional economy.
Conclusion
In summary, the economic and social impact of sustainable forest management and the paper industry, including the Kraft paper industry, is extensive. In addition to contributing to the preservation of the environment, these practices generate employment, promote local development and are fundamental to the economy of many regions and countries.