A new report developed within the WOOD4LIFE project provides insights into how the timber sector in Italy and Spain perceives the environmental value of wood products, with a specific focus on ecosystem services and carbon storage.
The report “Market Analysis of Timber Products and Ecosystem Services” (Deliverable 3.2) has been developed by Etifor | Valuing Nature, in collaboration with project partners Conlegno, FSC Spain, Lignum Tech and Dendron.
The study represents one of the first structured analyses at sector level aimed at understanding whether the environmental benefits associated with wood products, such as their capacity to store carbon, are recognized within current market dynamics.
The analysis is based on a survey conducted in spring 2025, involving 156 companies operating across the timber value chain in Italy and Spain. Through a questionnaire of 22 questions, the study explores stakeholders’ perceptions of ecosystem services linked to wood products and their potential influence on pricing, communication and market positioning.
The report is particularly relevant in the context of the upcoming entry into force of the EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation (EU/2024/3012). This regulation will introduce a voluntary certification framework at EU level for high-quality carbon removals, including those achieved through carbon storage in long-lasting wood products.
In this evolving regulatory landscape, understanding how companies perceive and integrate these aspects into their business strategies is a key step to support the transition towards more transparent and value-driven markets.
The findings of the report contribute to identifying current gaps in awareness and market readiness, while also providing a basis for future actions involving companies, certification schemes and sector associations.
Explore and download the report: https://wood4life.castillalamancha.es/en/resources
For further insights, read Etifor’s in-depth article: “Is the timber value chain ready to adopt the CRCF Regulation?”
