10 reasons why Eucalyptus is the most environmentally friendly hardwood

1. Eucalyptus is the fastest growing hardwood

2. It is a non-invasive species and is very effective for reforestation in regions where there are poor soils

3. Eucalyptus in Southern Africa is all is grown in managed plantations and never involves cutting down indigenous forests

4. Byproducts are used to produce other useful products like MDF, chipboard, animal bedding, wood pellets, landscaping products, firewood etc

5. Eucalyptus trees use water very efficiently. At around 785 litres/kg of total biomass, this conversion rate is one of the lowest of all tree species

6. Farming of Eucalyptus trees require no pesticides or herbicides

7. In South Africa alone, there is more than 10,000 ha of nett reforestation annually. The picture is similar in other Southern African countries

8. Low wastage: the trunks are straight and have very little taper over long lengths

9. Eucalypts are renowned for their profuse flowering, and production of nectar and pollen suitable for honey bees

10. In Africa, Eucalyptus plantations help to control soil erosion and are good windbreakers

Vital for rural economies

• Forestry is a vital pathway for rural economic development and improved livelihoods

• Millions of people in poor rural areas rely on employment opportunities generated by forestry

• The growth of forestry is closely associated with the provision of better health, shelter, and the availability of clean water

• Rural households rely on timber from plantations for cooking and heating

• Plantations also create a lot of cottage industries which create additional employment

Minimising CO2 emissions from transportation

Logs are processed at mills either in or near the plantations. The cut timber is then transported by road and rail to our factories in Zimbabwe or South Africa. Here, it is made into a wide range of products destined for the European market. Then, finished products are then sent by train to the seaport and loaded onto large container vessels. Although Southern Africa is a long way from Europe, the CO2 emissions associated with shipping to Europe are surprisingly low. Importantly, we do everything we can to minimise road transportation as this is the least efficient means of transportation.