The findings from a series of webinars and a roundtable which explored how reclaimed and cascaded wood can strengthen the UK timber sector, reduce carbon emissions and support the Welsh Timber Industrial Strategy.
Summary
This report captures the outcomes of a 2025–2026 event series organised by Woodknowledge Wales in partnership with ASBP and Built by Nature. The programme consisted of three webinars and an investor/insurer roundtable focused on advancing circular wood use in manufacturing, design and construction.
With the UK importing large volumes of timber and sending millions of tonnes of waste wood to biomass each year, the events highlighted the urgent need to move from a linear “take-make-burn” model to a cascading circular economy. Reusing and remanufacturing wood can significantly extend carbon storage, reduce pressure on forests, cut emissions and create economic resilience.
Key findings focussed on major barriers: (a lack of standards and certification suitable for reclaimed timber, insurance constraints, rigid procurement processes, and insufficient trust in material performance); the need for greater flexibility in design, early supply-chain collaboration, skills development and real-world demonstration projects; and opportunities to align circular practices with carbon accounting, green finance and building safety requirements
Participants developed a shared vision of a mature circular bioeconomy where timber is reused multiple times before energy recovery, supported by clear standards, local material flows and renewed skills in working with wood.
The events concluded that systemic change is required — combining policy support, new business models, pioneering projects and a shift in industry mindset. It calls for collaborative action to turn circular wood use from an abstract concept into mainstream practice.
