14 December 2021

In the Southern-Mediterranean macro-region, the woodworking value chains strongly enhance the circular transition as public perception and procurement processes boost innovative recovery networks and post-consumer production. Innovative recovery networks composed by a large number of active stakeholders and well-functioning value chains are nowadays the engine of efficient reuse and recycling of wood waste and side streams. It can be stated that a high environmental awareness of consumers and environmental policies are already promoting the uptake of recycled products in the markets. The region clearly demonstrates that costs of recycling can be reduced when reverse logistic processes such as collection, treatment and remanufacturing are improved. Further innovation potential is identified in new circular operations and business concepts.

However, woodworking industries face some challenges from the logistical and cost-related point of views. Fluidity of processes should be insured in order to guarantee best performance of the actors and stakeholders in the woodworking and waste management supply chain. High costs of disposal set boundaries to efficient valorisation of side streams. The local authorities and policy makers increase their support for municipal collection centres for the differentiated fractions of waste and therefore boost the use of recycled materials. Still, regulations need to be adopted to market situations to stimulate a better uptake of recycled materials.

The transition to a circular bioeconomy requires structural change and innovation is the cornerstone of this change. Academia, research organisations and education should be involved to generate knowledge-based collaboration with stakeholders from industry and public decision makers in order to promote the circular transition and sustainable growth. The public awareness and acceptance of reused and recycled materials is highest in this macro-region for Europe which can be a model stimulating the involvement of society and citizens in other European macro-regions.