Overriding issues Forestry needs assistance to master upcoming structural changes. In this context the Federal Government and the Federal States with support of the European Union, within their rural development policy, assist forestry in order to contribute to the maintenance and development of the economic, ecological and social functions of forests in rural areas, taking into account that any support for forestry should avoid distorting competition and should be market neutral. The utilization of residual wood and recovered wood plays an important role in German forest and paper industries. In particleboard production for example the share of residual and recovered wood has for years exceeded that of rawwood. The tendency is further increasing.
Recycled paper is the most important material used by paper industry.
In view of the increasing importance of secondary raw materials the classification of the basic material is of great importance. What is important is to keep harmful substances away from recycling. Converted assortments in energetic use for example also play an important role in forest and paper industries. As residual wood is available in different stages of conversion, it is difficult to record the volume in detail. The ecological benefits of timber use in particular can noticeably be proofed and documented.