The EGGER Group, headquartered in St. Johann in Tirol (AT), is a leading international wood-based material manufacturer. Since 1961, we have been driving innovation for our customers. We are a full-range supplier for furniture and interior design, wood construction and wood-based flooring. EGGER is and remains a family company. Today, our corporate family comprises around 12,000 employees and 22 production sites worldwide.
One step ahead
What traces does a product leave on the climate? EGGER is breaking new ground by conducting life cycle assessments (LCAs) of its products, providing transparent insights into their ecological footprint. Daniela Wohlschlager, expert in product sustainability, explains how a project of this scale succeeds and where the opportunities lie for our customers and for us.
One step ahead
As an expert in product sustainability, Daniela Wohlschlager is breaking new ground in calculating the LCA for EGGER products together with a cross-departmental project team. A complex project. So that the in-depth insight for customers ultimately becomes easy to understand.
“The long-term goal: customers receive product- and site-specific LCA. This means that in the future, our customers can trace the ecological footprint of the products they purchase and use this data transparently themselves.”
Daniela Wohlschlager
Manager Product Sustainability
Solid insights
An LCA covers all environmental impacts, including the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). The preparation of the LCA of our products used to involve a great deal of manual work. You can think of each LCA as a separate study.
Transparency and efficiency
Every product leaves its mark on the climate. To make these impacts visible and derive appropriate measures, EGGER is working to make the preparation of life cycle assessments more efficient. How does that work? With increasing automation of data collection. And it requires a great deal of data, for example, regarding materials used, transport, energy requirements, etc.
The Life Cycle Assessment in focus
The project is developing a uniform, cross-plant standard that increasingly retrieves data automatically from the internal ERP system. This data is fed into an externally verified calculation model that enables the entire LCA to be created. (Verified by Institut für Bauen und Umwelt IBU e.V. in accordance with ISO 14026 and EN 15804+A2)
Status quo and next steps
The project was launched with an interdisciplinary team and a pilot product, the laminated chipboard from the EGGER plant in Unterradlberg (AT). Since then, numerous other products from different plants have been added. The project team is continuing along this path.
Product transparency as a goal
The detailed data show potential where EGGER can reduce the fossil footprint of its products. The results are incorporated into the further development of the EGGER climate strategy.
“Given the growing importance of
product transparency, we are consistently developing this topic further. It not only helps us to further improve our products, but also to fulfil our customers' objectives."
You can find the full story and further insights into current sustainability projects in our Sustainability Journal VALUABLE.
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Facts & Figures – Find out more
Background
Product Transparency
We want to present the environmental performance of our products transparently. We stand for reliable and transparent product information and expert advice. We provide specific document formats that clearly summarise the environmental impact of our products. This enables us to support our customers in making informed decisions in a targeted way.
Rethinking wood construction
Moritz Steinruck was involved in the development of the EGGER EcoBox from the initial idea to perfection. It is a pioneering solution in wood construction that not only enables the efficient use of resources, but also gives a key role to lower-quality wood.
From the root to the plant
EGGER embraces the cascading use of wood as a valuable resource in its efforts to utilise raw materials efficiently. Christian Witte uses the example of the plant in Brilon (DE) to show how state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable forestry merge at EGGER.
On the beauty of the cycle
Recycling wood transforms it into something new and valuable. Aimee Fletcher and Mark Hayton show is what this looks like in practice at EGGER.
Last-minute rescue
During a night-time break-in, the faithful chest of drawers, Joe, is completely destroyed. At the end of his fulfilling life, the only thing Joe is expecting is the rubbish heap. Or is there still a chance, perhaps, for a new, better life than ever before?
The EGGER Group, headquartered in St. Johann in Tirol (AT), is a leading international wood-based material manufacturer. Since 1961, we have been driving innovation for our customers. We are a full-range supplier for furniture and interior design, wood construction and wood-based flooring. EGGER is and remains a family company. Today, our corporate family comprises around 12,000 employees and 22 production sites worldwide.
Rethinking wood construction
Moritz Steinruck was involved in the development of the EGGER EcoBox from the initial idea to perfection. It is a pioneering solution in wood construction that not only enables the efficient use of resources, but also gives a key role to lower-quality wood.
Rethinking wood construction
Even as a child, Moritz Steinruck had a strong connection with nature – today, the passionate tinkerer is Head of Product Management at EGGER and develops innovative solutions for building with wood with his team. One of them: the EGGER EcoBox
The EcoBox is a solution that anticipates the bottleneck in the wood construction industry and saves material.
Moritz Steinruck
Head of Product Management EGGER Building Products
Wood is having a comeback
Over the last 20 years, one of the oldest building materials in the world has become increasingly important again. A trend that is used in both residential and commercial construction. EGGER takes it a step further: with products that use resources responsibly and offer solutions for new challenges.
Sustainable forestry
Wood is not only a renewable resource, it also binds carbon, which is stored in the wood throughout its entire lifespan. EGGER relies on strictly controlled supply chains, regular audits, and recognised certification systems in wood procurement.
"The forest is our elixir of life – without wood, there would be no EGGER. Therefore, our goal is to make the best possible use of wood."
Forest in transition
As climate change, pest infestations, and storm events alter wood qualities, EGGER responds with solutions that also make sensible use of calamity and damaged wood, as with the EcoBox.
Out of the box
The EcoBox is a hybrid product made from OSB boards, finger-jointed timber, and a wood fibre insulation, and can be used as an alternative to the solid timber stud in wood frame construction. Thanks to its material mix, it requires up to 38 percent less wood than a solid structural timber stud.
Great opportunities
"With the EcoBox, we use less wood and nevertheless get a more homogeneous material. While we have previously focused on A-quality wood in wood construction, we can now still produce high-quality products from lower qualities.”
Less wood use, more living space
Since May 2024, the EcoBox has been manufactured industrially at the EGGER plant in Wismar (DE): it is certified and recyclable. In addition to weight savings of up to 150 kg/m3 compared with a solid structural timber stud, its high insulation content reduces thermal bridges. The result is narrower walls and more living space.
EcoBox in use
When expanding their own company building, the team from Holzbau Nortmann in Werlte (DE) used the EcoBox for the first time – out of conviction regarding resource use, dimensional stability, and weight.
“Lighter elements mean real relief for our employees.” Dieter Nortmann
You can find the full story and further insights into current sustainability projects in our Sustainability Journal VALUABLE.
Compiled for you
Facts & Figures – Find out more
Background
Sustainable forestry
The valuable resource wood grows back and removes CO₂ from the atmosphere2. In the process, carbon is stored in the wood. In this way wood plays an important role in climate protection. The sustainable management of forests is of essential importance. We are strong supporters of sustainable forestry.
One step ahead
What traces does a product leave on the climate? EGGER is breaking new ground by conducting life cycle assessments (LCAs) of its products, providing transparent insights into their ecological footprint. Daniela Wohlschlager, expert in product sustainability, explains how a project of this scale succeeds and where the opportunities lie for our customers and for us.
From the root to the plant
EGGER embraces the cascading use of wood as a valuable resource in its efforts to utilise raw materials efficiently. Christian Witte uses the example of the plant in Brilon (DE) to show how state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable forestry merge at EGGER.
On the beauty of the cycle
Recycling wood transforms it into something new and valuable. Aimee Fletcher and Mark Hayton show is what this looks like in practice at EGGER.
Last-minute rescue
During a night-time break-in, the faithful chest of drawers, Joe, is completely destroyed. At the end of his fulfilling life, the only thing Joe is expecting is the rubbish heap. Or is there still a chance, perhaps, for a new, better life than ever before?
The EGGER Group, headquartered in St. Johann in Tirol (AT), is a leading international wood-based material manufacturer. Since 1961, we have been driving innovation for our customers. We are a full-range supplier for furniture and interior design, wood construction and wood-based flooring. EGGER is and remains a family company. Today, our corporate family comprises around 12,000 employees and 22 production sites worldwide.
From the root to the plant
EGGER embraces the cascading use of wood as a valuable resource in its efforts to utilise raw materials efficiently. Christian Witte uses the example of the plant in Brilon (DE) to show how state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable forestry merge at EGGER.
From the root to the plant
Christian Witte manages Wood Purchase for the EDP Central division and optimises the supply chains for the EGGER plants in Central Europe. We travelled with him in and around our plant in Brilon (DE). This is where state-of-the-art technology and sustainable forestry merge.
For EGGER, it is crucial to find sustainable solutions in wood procurement that make both economic and ecological sense.
Christian Witte
Head of Wood Purchase EDP Central
Forest in balance
“Only what grows back is harvested”, says Christian Witte. This principle of sustainable forestry is central to EGGER in order to ensure a long-term supply of raw materials. This is the basic prerequisite for being able to use wood as a climate-friendly material.
“Sustainable supply chains are of central importance to us”, explains Christian Witte. ”We seek to purchase materials within a radius of 150 kilometres of our plants wherever possible.”
This minimises transport emissions and strengthens the relationship with partners. “Through these direct partnerships,”Christian Witte continues, “we can also ensure that our high standards are met.”
Transparency in the supply chain
This means that EGGER fulfils all legal requirements regarding the legality and transparency of the wood used. In addition, we rely on control measures by independent third parties and favour wood from certified forests, wherever available, as proof of sustainable forestry.
Around 3,600 partner companies supply wood to the EGGER locations throughout the Group. The wood sorts are divided into three main groups: logs, sawmill by-products and recycled wood.
Maximum utilisation and short distances at the Brilon plant
Since 2008, EGGER has been operating its own sawmill in Brilon, where logs are processed and timber is produced.
This process also produces sawmill by-products such as hackchips or sawdust. These by-products are processed immediately at the same location.
In addition, recycled wood is fed back into production and utilised for as long as possible.
Cascading use: a model of raw material efficiency
So-called industrial roundwood – thin, crooked, knotty trunks, wood from thinning or damaged wood resulting from storms or snow breakage – is also
upgraded into wood-based materials. Only at the very end of its life should wood be used to generate energy.
The fully integrated plant in Brilon demonstrates how EGGER implements its sustainable principles. “The objective of cascading use is to maximise the added value of raw materials and keep them in the material cycle for as long as possible in successive stages” , explains Christian Witte.
We prevent sawmill by-products and recycled wood from simply being incinerated and feed them back into our production process. This is the supreme discipline of cascading use.
Christian Witte
Head of Wood Purchase EDP Central
You can find the full story and further insights into current sustainability projects in our Sustainability Journal VALUABLE.
Compiled for you
Facts & Figures – Find out more
Background
Sustainable forestry
The valuable resource wood grows back and removes CO2 from the atmosphere. In the process, carbon is stored in the wood. In this way wood plays an important role in climate protection. The sustainable management of forests is the prerequisite for using wood as a climate-friendly material. We are strong supporters of sustainable forestry.
One step ahead
What traces does a product leave on the climate? EGGER is breaking new ground by conducting life cycle assessments (LCAs) of its products, providing transparent insights into their ecological footprint. Daniela Wohlschlager, expert in product sustainability, explains how a project of this scale succeeds and where the opportunities lie for our customers and for us.
Rethinking wood construction
Moritz Steinruck was involved in the development of the EGGER EcoBox from the initial idea to perfection. It is a pioneering solution in wood construction that not only enables the efficient use of resources, but also gives a key role to lower-quality wood.
On the beauty of the cycle
Recycling wood transforms it into something new and valuable. Aimee Fletcher and Mark Hayton show is what this looks like in practice at EGGER.
Last-minute rescue
During a night-time break-in, the faithful chest of drawers, Joe, is completely destroyed. At the end of his fulfilling life, the only thing Joe is expecting is the rubbish heap. Or is there still a chance, perhaps, for a new, better life than ever before?
The EGGER Group, headquartered in St. Johann in Tirol (AT), is a leading international wood-based material manufacturer. Since 1961, we have been driving innovation for our customers. We are a full-range supplier for furniture and interior design, wood construction and wood-based flooring. EGGER is and remains a family company. Today, our corporate family comprises around 12,000 employees and 22 production sites worldwide.
On the beauty of the cycle
Recycling wood transforms it into something new and valuable. Aimee Fletcher and Mark Hayton show is what this looks like in practice at EGGER.
On the beauty of the cycle
With its consistent use of recycled wood, EGGER has made a clear commitment to the circular economy. This approach is effectively displayed in the cooperation between the collection and sorting centre in Leeds (UK) and the production plant in Hexham (UK).
At Timberpak's recycling collection centre in the northern English city of Leeds, we meet Mark Hayton, Head of Timberpak UK, and then talk to Design and Product Manager Aimee Fletcher at the Hexham plant.
Wood is far too valuable a raw material to simply burn it.
"It is not acceptable to burn in just 45 seconds a resource that takes 45 years to grow. By recycling wood, we extend its lifespan and transform it into something new and valuable."
Leeds: A hub for recycled wood
The Timberpak site in Leeds carefully processes and prepares 150,000 tonnes of recycled material every year. The wood comes from a wide variety of sources – from disused pallets to furniture and construction waste.
Sorting - a challenge
Around 40 percent of the wood comes from household waste sites, where pieces of furniture embellished with fabric or other materials often end up in the wood container. Quality inspectors make sure that only suitable material reaches the chipboard production plants.
Hexham: Where wood waste is turned into new products
Design and Product Manager Aimee Fletcher works at the EGGER plant in Hexham. She knows how the recycled materials from Leeds are turned into new chipboard and ultimately refined to create high-quality design products.
Meeting customer requirements
Aimee Fletcher: "We have to constantly ask ourselves: how can we make our products even more sustainable? How can we further reduce our ecological footprint? And this applies to the entire production chain and life cycle.”
Produce regionally, think globally
Overall, the aim is always to manufacture high-quality products with the smallest possible product carbon footprint. EGGER therefore not only focuses on sustainability through recycled wood, but also on a variety of other aspects, such as local production.
The bottom line: recycling is more than just a process
Mark Hayton: "Recycling is a philosophy that helps us work towards a sustainable future through the circular economy."
You can find the full story and further insights into current sustainability projects in our Sustainability Journal VALUABLE.
Compiled for you
Facts & Figures – find out more
Background
Circular economy
Working in closed cycles is at the core of our business model. We use sawmill by-products and recycled wood in the production of new, high-quality wood-based materials. We want to further increase the proportion of wood from recycling in the future.
One step ahead
What traces does a product leave on the climate? EGGER is breaking new ground by conducting life cycle assessments (LCAs) of its products, providing transparent insights into their ecological footprint. Daniela Wohlschlager, expert in product sustainability, explains how a project of this scale succeeds and where the opportunities lie for our customers and for us.
Rethinking wood construction
Moritz Steinruck was involved in the development of the EGGER EcoBox from the initial idea to perfection. It is a pioneering solution in wood construction that not only enables the efficient use of resources, but also gives a key role to lower-quality wood.
From the root to the plant
EGGER embraces the cascading use of wood as a valuable resource in its efforts to utilise raw materials efficiently. Christian Witte uses the example of the plant in Brilon (DE) to show how state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable forestry merge at EGGER.
Last-minute rescue
During a night-time break-in, the faithful chest of drawers, Joe, is completely destroyed. At the end of his fulfilling life, the only thing Joe is expecting is the rubbish heap. Or is there still a chance, perhaps, for a new, better life than ever before?
The EGGER Group, headquartered in St. Johann in Tirol (AT), is a leading international wood-based material manufacturer. Since 1961, we have been driving innovation for our customers. We are a full-range supplier for furniture and interior design, wood construction and wood-based flooring. EGGER is and remains a family company. Today, our corporate family comprises around 12,000 employees and 22 production sites worldwide.
Last-minute rescue
During a night-time break-in, the faithful chest of drawers, Joe, is completely destroyed. At the end of his fulfilling life, the only thing Joe is expecting is the rubbish heap. Or is there still a chance, perhaps, for a new, better life than ever before?
Last-minute rescue
During a night-time break-in, the faithful chest of drawers, Joe, is completely destroyed. Joe remembers with sadness his fulfilled life – it was really varied for a chest of drawers! But now, it seems that only one final journey awaits him: to the landfill site.
However, a magical place promises a last-minute rescue – and more besides: could Joe perhaps be about to embark on the best chapter of his life? Is there a new task full of responsibility waiting for him? Experience the innovative potential of a circular economy in action on Joe’s journey – and the benefits it offers not only for Joe, but also for our planet and for all of us.
Compiled for you
Facts & Figures – find out more
Background
Circular economy
Working in closed cycles is at the core of our business model. We use sawmill by-products and recycled wood in the production of new, high-quality wood-based materials. We want to further increase the proportion of wood from recycling in the future.
One step ahead
What traces does a product leave on the climate? EGGER is breaking new ground by conducting life cycle assessments (LCAs) of its products, providing transparent insights into their ecological footprint. Daniela Wohlschlager, expert in product sustainability, explains how a project of this scale succeeds and where the opportunities lie for our customers and for us.
Rethinking wood construction
Moritz Steinruck was involved in the development of the EGGER EcoBox from the initial idea to perfection. It is a pioneering solution in wood construction that not only enables the efficient use of resources, but also gives a key role to lower-quality wood.
From the root to the plant
EGGER embraces the cascading use of wood as a valuable resource in its efforts to utilise raw materials efficiently. Christian Witte uses the example of the plant in Brilon (DE) to show how state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable forestry merge at EGGER.
On the beauty of the cycle
Recycling wood transforms it into something new and valuable. Aimee Fletcher and Mark Hayton show is what this looks like in practice at EGGER.
Overview of EGGER
Creating more from wood. As a family company, we are committed to producing responsibly. We think long term and inspire people around the world with our products.
Sustainability at EGGER
We have been working with the valuable, renewable resource wood since 1961. Our sustainability strategy defines goals and measures for our industrial, ecological, economic and social responsibility. We report on our progress in the Financial and Sustainability Report.
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Our approach at a glance
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Our strategic priorities