Beyond recycling, Egger maximizes energy efficiency through biomass power facilities at seven global plants, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Modern wood product manufacturers face growing responsibilities beyond production. They must prioritize sustainable sourcing, efficient manufacturing, and end-of-life considerations.

Egger Wood Products, an international company with a North Carolina facility (US), integrates these elements into a comprehensive environmental strategy that promotes long-term ecological balance and resource efficiency.

Egger adheres to a closed material cycle, sourcing wood responsibly to minimize environmental impact. “We protect the climate and natural resources by sourcing wood regionally, directly supporting local economies and minimizing transportation emissions,” said Olivia Dawson, marketing and communication specialist.

Sourcing wood

The company ensures its materials come from 100% verified legal and controlled sources, prioritizing recycled wood and sawmill by-products to reduce waste and support circular economy principles.

When sourcing fresh wood, Egger prioritizes regional wood from certified forests, ensuring compliance with national forestry laws and certification standards. This approach guarantees responsible forestry practices that maintain biodiversity and forest regeneration.

To uphold ethical and environmental integrity, the company employs due diligence, certified and regularly audited according to recognized supply chain standards. “If we were to allow the destructive exploitation of forests, we would endanger our own existence in the long term,” states the company’s environmental brochure.

Transparency is further reinforced through third-party verification via ISO 38200, providing stakeholders with confidence in Egger’s sustainable procurement practices.

Efficient production

Egger is committed to operational efficiency, utilizing internationally certified energy and environmental management systems, such as ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 50001 for energy efficiency.

Facilities in Germany and the UK adhere to strict energy management protocols that optimize energy use and reduce emissions. By continuously refining these processes, Egger aims to implement these certifications across all its plants worldwide.

To further its sustainability initiatives, Egger recently acquired Timberpak in Charlotte, North Carolina, a facility specializing in recycling construction and pallet wood. “This acquisition will not only bolster our sustainability initiatives in North America but also position us in key markets as we expand and grow,” said Markus Frevert, plant manager.

Recycling material

Timberpak processes post-consumer recycled materials, reducing landfill waste and supplying Egger’s Lexington plant with high-quality recycled raw materials for particleboard and laminate production. This strategic move strengthens Egger’s commitment to a circular economy and enhances material efficiency in manufacturing.

Beyond recycling, Egger maximizes energy efficiency through biomass power facilities at seven global plants, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The company reports that approximately three-quarters of its energy-related CO2 emissions stem from renewable, CO2-neutral fuels.

By leveraging biomass energy, Egger avoids roughly 746,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, contributing to global climate protection efforts.

As a leading panel product manufacturer, Egger takes a proactive stance on health and environmental safety, particularly regarding formaldehyde emissions. The company ensures all products meet the European formaldehyde class E1 limits and adhere to stricter national regulations in the U.S. and Japan.

Consumers concerned about indoor air quality can take comfort in Egger’s rigorous VOC testing, which aligns with the latest industry standards. The company’s research indicates that wood-based materials do not harm lung tissue even at high VOC concentrations.

Additionally, naturally occurring aldehydes in wood are considered harmless, reinforcing the safety of Egger’s materials for residential and commercial applications.

Transparency, accountability

From designers to builders to end-users, transparency is crucial in the sustainability conversation. Egger provides environmental product declarations (EPDs) for all products, detailing the environmental impact from raw material extraction to disposal. These EPDs play a vital role in helping manufacturers and fabricators meet sustainability certification requirements, such as those needed for LEED and BREEAM certification programmes.

In addition to EPDs, Egger actively engages in public communication about its sustainability efforts through environmental reports, third-party certifications, and supplier disclosures.

By committing to responsible sourcing, efficient production, and transparency, Egger Wood Products exemplifies how the wood manufacturing industry can align with sustainability goals, paving the way for a more eco-conscious future. Learn more about Egger’s environmental efforts at www.egger.com.

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