In 2023, the UK successfully processed over 97% of its waste wood, achieving the highest level on record. The Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) reported that approximately 4.408 million tonnes of waste wood were processed, which amounts to 97.9% of the total 4.5 million tonnes of waste wood generated. This slight increase in processing from the previous year’s 4.312 million tonnes highlights a steady growth in waste wood recycling since the disruptions caused by COVID-19 in 2020.
The WRA’s annual survey data shows a consistent demand for processed waste wood across the UK. The survey, combined with other data sources, indicates that WRA members processed around 3.92 million tonnes of waste wood, which represents 90% of the market. The reliable processing of waste wood is supported by well-established markets that have grown stronger despite previous challenges.
Biomass and Panel Board: Key Consumers of Wasted Wood
In 2023, large-scale biomass continued to be the largest consumer of waste wood. Biomass plants used 63% of the processed wood, equivalent to 2.8 million tonnes. This marks a 2.6% increase from 2022 and underscores the vital role of waste wood biomass in providing secure, low-carbon energy.
Panel board manufacturing remained the second-largest user, though its consumption decreased slightly by 5% to 963,000 tonnes. This reduction was primarily due to a sluggish housing market and the closure of the West Fraser South Molton manufacturing plant.
Growth in Recycling and Reuse of Wasted Wood
Other recycling uses of waste wood saw significant growth in 2023. Animal bedding, equine surfacing, and various forms of reuse increased by 9%, reaching 350,000 tonnes. This recovery follows the impact of avian flu on the animal bedding sector in 2022.
The WRA also noted an increase in pallet refurbishment and the reuse of wooden items through local authority reuse hubs, which they plan to report on more thoroughly in the future.
Julia Turner, the executive director of the WRA, expressed satisfaction with these record levels of waste wood processing. She emphasised that the market is well-balanced, with strong demand across all waste wood categories. Turner highlighted the healthy growth in wood recycling for animal bedding and other uses, expressing optimism for further increases. She also pointed out that the waste wood market is well-positioned for 2024, with environmentally sound practices ensuring that all domestic waste wood is processed properly.
The UK’s waste wood market demonstrates a promising future as it continues to find efficient and sustainable ways to manage this valuable resource.
