Your Carbon Footprint in the Plywood Industry

Everyone has a carbon footprint and almost everything we do uses some fossil fuels. However, as conscientious world citizens, it's our job to do our best to minimize our impact on the environment. Here are some of the most common ways that people measure their carbon footprint:

• Commute: biking, walking, busing, or driving? 
• Diet: meat-based, vegetarian, or vegan?
• Travel: flying, train, or driving?
• Power: energy-efficient electricity, gas, or solar power?

On a professional level, it’s becoming more important than ever before to commit to using sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials in our projects. At Garnica, we’re proud to manufacture plywood sustainably and respectfully, using renewable raw materials.

Plywood & Sustainability 

There are many factors that make plywood such a great option for sustainability-focused architects. Let’s explore some of them: 

Poplar Wood

Garnica’s plywood is sourced primarily from poplar wood, one of the most sustainable species thanks to its high carbon sequestration and the way it acts as a green filter for river banks. And wood itself is a highly sustainable choice because it’s renewable, recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable. 

Sustainably-Managed Plantations

Even though poplar is a naturally sustainable material, it’s our responsibility to further its benefits through sustainable forest management. There are many ways to contribute to sustainable forest management, such as planting fast-growing trees, replacing removed trees, and minimizing soil erosion and contamination. 

Long-Lasting 

Thankfully, another of plywood’s strongest characteristics is that it’s long-lasting and durable. Its design of several veneers placed together in alternating positions means that, in comparison with other wood-based panels, plywood is durable, resistant to impact and scratching, and all together fit to last many years. 

Helpful to the Environment 

Poplar trees absorb an incredible amount of carbon dioxide a year and are actually one of the world’s species that absorbs the most CO2, averaging 22 tons per hectare a year. In addition, its properties actually work to purify the water and air around it, contributing to a better habitat for all living things in the area. But its benefits don't stop when the tree is cut down. Poplar-derived products are also major carbon dioxide sinks. Every m3 of manufactured plywood panels has a positive net carbon footprint of approximately 500 kg of CO2 and it captures approximately 650-700 kg of CO2.

At Garnica, we’ve made sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint a priority. We use wood grown on sustainably-managed, European plantations, adhering to good forest management practices. 

Here’s a peek into our zero waste culture and commitment to the circular economy: 

• By-products are integrated into our processes or used in other industries, such as manufacturing other wood-based panels, lumber, or renewable energy production.
• We positively impact the local communities in the rural areas where we have our factories by primarily locating them in areas with fewer than 5,000 residents and allowing residents to obtain stable and high-quality jobs. 
• We take our social responsibility seriously; we work hard internally to improve the health, diversity, and equality of our entire team and work with local organizations to kickstart initiatives that will benefit their residents. 

If you’re ready to join Garnica and work to minimize your carbon footprint while still providing high-quality materials, don’t wait any longer. Find Garnica panels near you by searching for your closest distributor today.