Wake-up Call: Rise in Lost Forest Area in 2023

In 2023, the area of deforested land rose by 23% compared with the previous year

Despite many efforts to protect the environment, reports show that considerably more forest was cleared in 2023 than in the previous year. Canada and Russia were particularly affected.

But Canada has a plan: two billion trees are to be planted. This is intended to benefit climate and environmental protection.

How much does a tree grow per year?

But what does it actually mean if we replant trees today while demand remains huge? Does replanting mean that we will have new trees again in one or two years? The answer is no. On average, trees grow 20 cm a year. The kiri tree is the fastest-growing tree, and even it needs 12 years before it can be harvested. The key term for climate change in Germany is mixed forest, i.e. a mix of conifers and deciduous trees. The spruce, which has been planted in Germany over the years, is considered a tree species that cannot cope with climate change. One tree species that can withstand climate change is the aspen. It needs around 20 to 25 years before it can be felled.

Isn't that alarming?

Yes, wood is renewable, but because of the time it takes for new wood to grow, there is always a gap – and what happens if the wood intended for felling is not ready yet? Even more is taken from primeval forests.

Bamboo and trees: what grows how fast?

We have pointed out more than once how long bamboo takes to grow and be harvested. Compared with the growth of trees, the size of the difference should become clear. To illustrate it once more: depending on the bamboo species, a bamboo culm (of up to 30 metres) can be fully grown within one year. By comparison, a pine needs about 30 years and an oak even up to 80 years. That is why we use bamboo fibres instead of wood fibres for our toilet paper.

What is in our bamboo toilet paper?

Our toilet paper is made from 100% bamboo fibres, is unbleached and contains no added dyes. It is packed in recycled paper without plastic. The paper is soft yet tear-resistant.