Poplar wood – 100 percent environmentally friendly – enters the Italian organic production chain. Thanks to the agreement just signed by FederBio and FederlegnoArredo to encourage the organic cultivation of this tree and use its wood for the packaging of organic packaged products. (1)
The organic and ecological poplar
Planting and growing poplars organically has a favorable impact on the environment. Indeed, such a tree has a high capacity for air purification, which is characteristic of fast-growing plants. As do other tree species-such as bamboo-and non-tree species, such as hemp. A single poplar plant takes 70-140 liters of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every hour and releases as much oxygen.
Low-polluting is also the processing of poplar wood. Indeed, less energy expenditure is required to process it into a semi-finished product compared to almost all other known raw materials.
Less plastic, more wood
The goal of the agreement between the two organizations is twofold. In fact, promoting organic poplar cultivation in Italy means contributing to the protection of the national ecosystem through combating so-called ‘genetic erosion’ and protecting territories from extreme weather phenomena.
The use of poplar wood, which is organic and recyclable, in the packaging of organic foods and logistic structures of their stores also promotes the development of a sustainable agricultural supply chain, territorially and nationally. Domestic demand-even for export goods-is fueled, and a circular economy model is realized. In line with the pattern of action that is peculiar to the organic system.
A step toward supply chain sustainability
‘This agreement continues FederBio’s efforts to add sustainability and consistency to the organic supply chain, from field to table. Eliminating plastic at every stage of the product lifecycle and encouraging the use of agricultural and recyclable material even in the logistics of organic products means making circular and sustainable economy, implementing the principles also established by the relevant European legislation. Starting also a path for organic certification of Italian poplar crops opens a new perspective to have an increasingly organic agricultural Italy, bringing benefits also to the vocated territories and the environment‘, comments Maria Grazia Mammuccini, president of FederBio.
‘The protocol signed at the end of a long work carried out by our association Assoimballaggi aims to enhance the contribution to the environment by the wood-furniture supply chain. We should not forget that poplar is a renewable and recyclable raw material, and its cultivation makes it possible to effectively safeguard the national ecosystem by protecting the conservation of species biodiversity and countering the risk of genetic erosion‘, stresses FederlegnoArredo president Emanuele Orsini.‘Investing in this sector is a key piece in shaping new and increasingly green industrial policies.’
Notes
(1) FederBio is the national federation that has been protecting and representing the organic and biodynamic agriculture supply chain since 1992. FederlegnoArredo is the Italian federation of wood, cork, furniture, lighting and furnishings industries
Professional journalist since January 1995, he has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and periodicals (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). She is the author of journalistic surveys on food, she has published the book "Reading labels to know what we eat".
