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On Sustainability
at Gunreben
Our concept
For us, sustainability is not a new trend, but an integral part of our daily work. From responsible timber procurement and certified supply chains to our own energy generation, we take responsibility along the entire value chain – transparently, traceably, and measurably.
Our Understanding of Sustainability
Responsible wood
Wood is a natural, renewable raw material and has been a central building material for centuries. When used sustainably, wood sequesters CO₂ and remains available in the long term. For Gunreben, working with wood means taking responsibility – toward the environment, society, and future generations.
Sustainability with a history
A principle since 1713
The term sustainability was first used as early as 1713 – back then by the Saxon Chief Mining Administrator Hans Carl von Carlowitz. His idea: only fell as much wood as can grow back in the forest. A principle that is more relevant today than ever.
Modern sustainability, however, means more than that. Today, it encompasses not only ecological, but also social and economic responsibility – a holistic approach that we live by and continue to develop.
Sustainability knows no bounds
Think globally
When selecting wood, one thing counts above all else for us at Gunreben: it should come from sustainable forestry whenever possible.
It does not always have to be regional wood – on the contrary: in the case of tropical timber from sustainably managed forests, trade actually contributes actively to the protection of the forests. Only where the forest remains economically valuable do local people have a strong interest in preserving it and using it responsibly. If, on the other hand, tropical timber is pushed out of the market, the forest loses this benefit – and with it, its protection. The result: large-scale clearing, often by fire, to make room for short-term profitable soy or palm oil plantations.
Sustainability therefore means taking a close look at where the wood comes from and how it was obtained. We at Gunreben attach great importance to the complete traceability of the wood we process. Only in this way can we prevent valuable forests from being cut down.
Transparent supply chains
Timber procurement with inspection
Gunreben takes responsibility as early as the raw timber procurement stage. We place the greatest importance on transparent and seamless supply chain traceability – from its origin in the forest to the finished product. This is how we ensure that our wood comes from legal and responsibly managed sources.
Sustainability at Gunreben is verifiable.
Certified since 2011
We have been PEFC-certified since 2011 and, for a portion of our products, FSC®-certified since 2013. Both certification systems ensure that ecological, social, and economic standards are upheld throughout the entire value chain.
Additional check
Unifloresta
Direct imports from Brazil are additionally audited by the independent third-party organization Unifloresta at Gunreben.
All non-FSC®-certified raw materials are subject to a complete audit of export, harvesting, and transport documentation. This is how we ensure maximum legal certainty and transparency.
Own heat
Our biomass power plant
For us, sustainability does not mean maximum yield, but rather the most complete utilization of wood as a raw material – ideally at a single location. At Gunreben, all resulting wood waste is processed into wood chips and used for energy.
In our own biomass combined heat and power plant, we generate electricity and heat from this. Together with our photovoltaic system, we thus cover a large part of our energy requirements directly on site from renewable sources.
Use resources efficiently
Cascading use of wood
Wood is a natural CO₂ reservoir. This effect is maximized by keeping it in the value chain for as long as possible.
Gunreben consistently focuses on cascading use: wood and wood residues are utilized for material purposes multiple times before finally being used for energy recovery.
Almost
Complete
Complete
Utilization of
Wood as a Raw Material
In the end, only ash remains, about half of which is recycled as fertilizer.
Responsibility at every stage
Our Aspiration
Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate activities at Gunreben. It begins with the origin of the wood, continues through transparent supply chains, and extends to our own energy supply. Through sustainable forestry, complete traceability, and recognized certifications, we ensure that our products are created responsibly – ecologically, socially, and economically.
Our ambition is to utilize the raw material wood consistently and resource-efficiently, and to act today in such a way that future generations can also rely on healthy forests and dependable quality.
Sustainability in figures
Approx.
450 kWh
450 kWh
Electrical
output
With our biomass combined heat and power plant, we produce a significant portion of our energy requirements ourselves and reduce the use of external power sources.
Up to
4,750 kWh
4,750 kWh
Thermal
output
The generated heat fully supplies our site and enables an independent heat supply without fossil fuels.
Over
7,000 t
7,000 t
CO₂ reduction
Annually
Using wood chips instead of heating oil
and our own PV electricity (750,000 kWh)
Documented according to the GHG Protocol and in the Climate Pass.
