Tuesday, November 11, 2025
On September 26, 2025, the Green Deal for Local Wood was officially signed by Jo Brouns, Flemish Minister for Agriculture and Environment. This momentous event took place with several stakeholders from the timber sector, including the Belgian Timber Confederation. The Green Deal aims to promote the use of local timber, contributing to reduced ecological footprints and boosting rural economies.
The main objective of the Green Deal is to encourage short supply chains for wood products in Flanders. Short supply chains are recognised as a powerful strategy to lower environmental impact by reducing transportation and increasing local resource utilisation. This initiative is particularly significant in the timber industry, where local wood production not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also creates vital jobs in rural areas.
The Green Deal is a joint effort by the Belgian Timber Confederation, Forest Groups, the Agency for Nature and Forests, and Fedustria. The goal is clear: to stimulate local wood production and create a sustainable and efficient timber processing chain within Flanders. According to Thomas Van Mulders, Project Manager at the Belgian Timber Confederation, “We want to stimulate a business climate in which sustainable models for local wood production, processing, and use are central.”
To raise awareness and increase the visibility of this initiative, the Green Deal partners will launch a “Local Wood” label. This label will encourage both consumers and public authorities to choose local timber for use in construction, renovation, and furniture production. Similar initiatives have already been successful in Wallonia and the Netherlands, and the Flanders project aims to replicate this success.
By promoting the use of local timber, the Green Deal helps not only to reduce carbon footprints but also supports local craftsmanship and industry. The initiative creates new opportunities for companies in the timber sector, fostering growth while addressing climate change concerns. As Van Mulders points out, “Every gesture counts.” Everyone in the community, from large-scale industry players to individual consumers, is encouraged to contribute to this sustainable initiative.
In Flanders, the sustainable management of forest resources is a key part of the Green Deal’s agenda. Tree felling, when done responsibly, contributes to forest renewal and strengthens ecosystems. Healthy, well-managed forests are more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Moreover, processing local timber ensures that carbon remains stored in the wood throughout its lifecycle.
The Green Deal is expected to bring both environmental and economic benefits. For the timber industry, local production and processing reduce reliance on foreign imports and lower transport-related emissions. Additionally, creating more local jobs in forestry, sawmills, and downstream industries boosts the rural economy.
By stimulating both wood production and processing, the Green Deal for Local Wood offers a comprehensive strategy for boosting Flanders’ timber industry. It focuses not only on sustainable forest management but also on creating a circular economy for timber products. This approach ensures that the forest sector remains a strong pillar of the local economy.
“The Green Deal has now officially launched, and new registrations are still welcome,” says Van Mulders. Governments and businesses within the timber supply chain are encouraged to join the initiative. Support can come in many forms, from directly using local timber in construction projects to helping raise awareness of the benefits of choosing local wood.
The official launch event on September 26, 2024, included a tour of the Verbeek-Willems sawmill in Laakdal, followed by a networking session at Kamp C in Westerlo. Jan Verheecke, Secretary of the Minaraad (Flanders Environment and Nature Council), introduced the Green Deal concept. Later, Stephan Kampelmann, co‑founder of Sonian Wood Coop, shared insights into his cooperative’s success in developing short supply chains for timber.
Flemish Minister Jo Brouns also delivered a speech, highlighting the strategic importance of the Green Deal for both the environment and the economy. He stressed the importance of supporting local timber production to reduce reliance on imported raw materials. Brouns explained that local timber not only strengthens Flanders’ ecological credentials but also helps the region stay competitive in global markets.
The Green Deal Local Wood offers numerous opportunities for involvement, with all stakeholders invited to contribute. Whether through timber production, processing, or consumption, everyone in the supply chain can play a part in reducing the ecological footprint and promoting the use of local resources.
Van Mulders concludes: “Governments can also help us, both by using local timber themselves and by increasing support for it.” As the project progresses, new participants are encouraged to join and contribute to the development of local wood initiatives.
The Green Deal for Local Wood is specifically focused on Flanders, a region in Belgium known for its strong environmental policies and commitment to sustainability. By utilising local resources and promoting short supply chains, the Green Deal aligns with regional goals for reducing carbon emissions and fostering economic growth in rural areas.
This strategic collaboration represents a major step forward in Flanders’ efforts to reduce its ecological footprint. The Green Deal for Local Wood not only supports the timber industry but also benefits the environment, the economy, and local communities.
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Tags: Circular Economy Green Deal, Local Wood, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking industry, woodworking UK
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