A recent publication led by Volker Haag from the Thünen Institute indicates that the shared of subtropical and tropical species found in 150 charcoal consignments from eleven European countries is surprisingly high. The charcoal was examined and evaluated using a 3D-reflected light microscope.
According to FAO, half the wood extracted from forest worldwide is used to produce energy and about 17 percent is converted to charcoal, which trade is not yet covered by the European Timber Regulation (EUTR).
Approximately 46% of the material received from all countries studied contained subtropical and tropical species, and over 60% in the case of Spain, Italy, Poland and Belgium. The study also shows that FSC and PEFC certificated products are less likely to present timber from subtropical or tropical origins.
The results contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between international charcoal trade flows, the end products in European countries and its implications for the EUTR.
The article is published here.
