Pathways to increase supply of sustainable wood from planted forests and trees to address bioeconomy needs: a review

Abstract

Forests not only supply wood but also provide vital ecosystem services such as biodiversity conservation and climate regulation. The rising demand for wood-based products, driven by the transition toward a forest-based bioeconomy and by environmental objectives such as decarbonization, is placing increasing pressure on both natural and plantation forests. The systematic review of the literature conducted in this study provides an inventory of pathways to increase the supply of sustainable wood from forests and planted trees to meet the needs of bioeconomy. Two core research questions were identified: (1) How to sustainably improve productivity in existing planted forests? (2) How to expand areas managed for timber production? A systematic literature review was conducted, providing insights from global research and best practices, covering both high-intensity industrial plantations and smallholder-based approaches. Planted forests, covering 7% of global forest area, supply over 33% of industrial wood. High wood productivity is primarily observed in Latin America and Asia, whereas in Europe and North America, mixed-species and sustainably managed plantations are increasingly prioritized. Wood productivity improvements are supported by advanced silvicultural practices, precision forestry, climate-resilient breeding programs, and alternative production systems such as Short Rotation Forestry. In addition, agroforestry systems and Trees Outside Forests represent important sources of wood and ecosystem ser-vices, particularly in developing countries. Challenges to expansion include land-use competition and socio-political barriers, and solutions include com-munity forestry and mosaic-landscape approaches. Underutilized lignocellulosic resources offer additional potential. Sustainable intensification, diversification, circular economy practices, innovation, and inclusive governance are crucial for securing a resilient wood supply for the bioeconomy.