1. Challenges of the wood chemistry initiative and objectives of the mediation workshops

1.1 Economic context and challenges of the "Wood chemistry" project

The French timber industry represents a major opportunity for France. The third largest forest in Europe in terms of resources, the French forest is characterized by both a growing forest resource and under-utilization of this resource, as well as by the existence of a deficit in the wood industry's trade balance. New and existing wood-based products, which can be diversified to generate new developments and economic growth, represent a significant part of the wood industry's potential for creating value and jobs, and should help to stimulate growth by providing appropriate responses to identified needs and the emergence of new uses. When it comes to reducing carbon footprints, wood is a central material that can meet...