The Main Association of the German Wood Industry (HDH) welcomes the Association of the German Wood Materials Industry (VHI) to its members, which joined at the beginning of the year. The VHI represents the Germany-based manufacturers of chipboard, OSB and fibreboard, plywood, natural fiber composite materials and interior doors made of wood and wood-based materials. The VHI members are important suppliers, particularly for the construction, furniture and packaging industries.

“We are pleased to be able to welcome the VHI at a time when the visible and audible representation of interests for the climate and environmentally friendly material wood in Germany and Europe is more necessary than ever. It is important to ensure the reliable and permanent availability of raw materials for our sustainably managed industry. The VHI gives us important support here," explains HDH General Manager Dr. Denny careless.

VHI Managing Director Anemon Strohmeyer emphasizes: “Due to the material use of wood in the context of cascade use, the wood-based materials industry already plays an important role in climate protection and resource conservation. We therefore want to contribute our expertise to the networks and committees of the HDH. In view of the sometimes contradictory European guidelines, we find cross-industry raw material lobbying via the Raw Wood Working Group (AGR) particularly important.”

AGR Managing Director Lukas Freise emphasizes: “Sustainably produced, renewable raw materials from Germany are urgently needed for the necessary transformation of the economy and society towards more resource conservation and a circular economy. In view of further impending restrictions on use in the forest, there is a great need for action to secure the raw material base. When AGR was founded 20 years ago, the aim was to unite the three major wood-using sectors sawmill industry, pulp industry and wood-based materials industry in terms of raw material policy. With the accession of the VHI, this goal has now been achieved.”