Carbon is present in all living materials. Photosynthesis converts solar energy, carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates, and these provide the building blocks for the trees growth. In this way the carbon dioxide in the air is stored as carbon compounds in trees and forests.
This carbon dioxide remains stored in products made from forestry raw materials, e.g. timber, paperboard and paper.
The forest and its products therefore help to counteract the greenhouse effect. A large proportion of the forest industrys products are recycled and/or re-used. When the products that have reached the end of their lifetime are used as fuel or are composted, the carbon dioxide is released. An equivalent amount of carbon dioxide is taken up by the growing trees. The circle then is closed and a new cycle can begin.