The Multi-Talented Forest: what you should know about Austria’s forests

The forest is an important economic factor in Austria and a resource, which is continuously growing in this country. Around 3.4 billion trees, 65 different kinds, can be found in indigenous forests.

145,000 forest owners manage around 82 percent of the Austrian forests and almost 300,000 people earn their living directly or indirectly from the forest and timber industry. Due to the great significance attached to the forests, very strict forestry laws have applied here for 165 years. Among other things, no more wood may be harvested than is growing again. This is subject to very strict controls.

Forests are true climatic heroes since 1 ton of CO₂ can be found in one cubic meter of wood. Extrapolated for the forest areas in Austria this amounts to 3.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide! The average CO2 yield which occurs yearly per capita in Austria is in comparison around 2.67 (2019) tons. Forests do not only influence the climate, they contribute enormously towards sustainability due to the versatility of the raw material.

For example wood can be processed to cellulose fibers, which can in turn be used in the production of textiles and nonwovens, to produce sustainable and bio-degradable materials. For example the Upper-Austrian fiber manufacturer, Lenzing AG, produces cellulose fibers for nonwovens under the name of VEOCEL™. These fibers of plant origin, are bio-degradable, they absorb moisture naturally and are soft and supple on the skin. VEOCEL™ fibers are thus well suited to the production of wet wipes and offer a natural alternative material for conventional cosmetic and baby wipes. Contrary to what many consumers believe, today one often finds oil-based plastic in these products – e.g. in the form of polyester fibers.

Even if it is not always clear at first sight, the forest plays an important role in our lives. For this reason, it is important to keep the forests clean, as well as Nature in general, since they contribute enormously to our quality of life.