paulownia: a tree with a future for the environment and the wood industry

Why is paulownia a tree of the future?

The paulownia, also known as the imperial tree, is increasingly considered a tree of the future due to its many beneficial characteristics for the environment and the wood industry. In this article, we'll explore the main reasons why.

Ability to store CO2 faster than other trees

The paulownia is considered a tree of the future, in particular because of its ability to store CO2 more rapidly than other trees. The paulownia is a fast-growing tree, forming honeycomb-like cells and often reaching heights of 15 to 20 meters in just a few years. This rapid growth enables it to capture and store between 30 and 40 t of CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Paulownia wood is both a carbon sink and an excellent building material. It is light, stable and aesthetically pleasing, making it an environmentally-friendly alternative to heavier, more energy-intensive materials. So planting paulownia can help reduce our carbon footprint and combat climate change.

Ability to limit forest overexploitation and replace certain endangered species

Paulownia has the ability to limit forest overexploitation and replace certain endangered species. Because of its rapid growth and wood quality, Paulownia can be used as a viable alternative to other, slower-growing wood species.

This means that demand for wood from natural forests can be reduced, helping to preserve these fragile ecosystems. What's more, paulownia can also be grown on unused or degraded land, contributing to reforestation and soil restoration.

By planting more paulownia, we can help combat climate change and preserve forest ecosystems.