Currently, 30% of the wood used in the EU comes from countries where illegal logging and partial deforestation is usual. In such a situation, certified forests, wood and products, combined with ecodesign and framed withing a circular economy can be considered as the most appropriate approach to deal with these issues.
In this context, different certifications have been created to manage forest-based products. Such schemes are normally integrated into environmental management systems, that help companies in the processes and procedures related to the use of certified.
On the other hand, several publications are discussing the potential of Industry4.0 for the forestry sector and give examples for practical applications. Developments of simulation modelling based on remote sensing data in forestry have appeared. This turns out to be the basis for the concept of a virtual forest as a digital copy of reality.
Thus, CETEM is working in the INTRuST project, with the objective to support companies in the sector to obtain certifications and environmental standards that facilitate a circular economy and promote sustainable development using industry 4.0 technologies that can help throughout the value chain.
The INTRuST project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ gathers experts in technology, wood certification, forestry and energy consumption, forest certification and environmental marketing from different VET institutions, research entities and industry representatives.
In the first months, INTRuST has launched the report Twin Transition in The Wood-Furniture Value Chain, that provides an overview on the current environmental and digital trends and practices affecting the wood value chain in its entirety. Taking a value chain perspective, the report outlines regulatory trends, new digital and technological development, as well as emerging practices that are to affect the sector.
