Businesses in the commercial field generate a wide range of waste, including food and plastics. Some also generate large amounts of wood waste. While many people are aware of the recycling options for food and plastics, the same may not be said of how wood can be reused and wood waste can be minimised. So what actually happens to all of the wood waste? In 2023, according to the wood recyclers association a staggering 97% of UK wood waste was processed in this country. That’s a significant amount that didn’t go to landfill. Let’s take a look at how wood recycling helps us to benefit the environment.
Protect the planet
When you recycle wood waste you reduce the need to cut down more trees. This helps to preserve woodlands and therefore the wildlife that call this their home. Protected species across the world have become endangered due to human requirements for resources, such as wood, and if this continues worldwide, we could soon see a lot more species added to the at-risk list.
Recycling wood means sending less waste to landfills and this results in lower methane emissions too. When wood is recycled it’s not just about a saving on trees it’s also about saving the planet
Saves energy
When you recycle wood, you use less energy in comparison to the processing of virgin timber. This means that you do not have to go through the energy intensive processes of harvesting, transporting and then processing wood. This helps to reduce the overall carbon footprint and makes recycling wood a much better option for businesses and the environment.
Commodity trading
Wood recycling on a commercial scale isn’t just eco-friendly, it is also economically sound. Companies not only save money on disposal fees but sometimes, when they sell their recycled wood materials, they can also make a profit. In other words they can participate in commodity trading.
Circular economy
One of the best things about recycled woods is how versatile it is. It can be used to create a range of products, from particle board to animal bedding. This adaptability means that wood that is recycled can meet a wide range of requirements. It reduces the need for new materials and encourages a circular economy.
Sustainable practices
Businesses that choose to prioritise wood recycling are boosting their social responsibility credentials. Today’s consumer is increasingly looking for companies that are actively demonstrating their commitment to the environment. When a company showcases their commitment to practices that are sustainable, they are more likely to attract customers who are eco conscious. This is both good for the planet and good for the company.
Compliance pushes innovation
There are stringent regulations regarding waste management and recycling wood waste that allows a business to stay compliant with laws. These restrictions can help to drive innovation within a business by helping them to look for new ways in which they can process and reuse wood waste. These sustainable products that they develop can improve the environment through a constant evolution of sustainability practices.
