Hello,
The money trail never lies. While banks and investors pledge green commitments, their checkbooks tell a different story
Here's what's moving European forestry this week:
🔍 The Big Story
Forest500 Reveals Financial Giants Still Fund Deforestation
The latest Forest500 assessment exposes a stark reality: major financial institutions continue funding companies linked to deforestation, despite public sustainability commitments. The expanded 2025 report now scores 500 companies and 150 financial institutions across all forest-risk commodities, including newly added cocoa, coffee, and rubber.
The findings are damning: Only 11 financial institutions have deforestation policies covering all commodities. That means 139 out of 150 major banks and investors have no comprehensive forest protection policies. The assessment reveals that 68% of financial institutions have no deforestation policies for soy and cattle - the two commodities driving Amazon destruction. Only 23% of companies have comprehensive forest policies covering all their high-risk commodities.
Most telling: The disconnect between green marketing and actual lending practices. European banks that market ESG investment products simultaneously finance companies with zero deforestation commitments. The report names household banking names across Europe, exposing the gap between promises and portfolios.
What this means for you: Companies without verified deforestation-free supply chains will face increasing difficulty accessing capital. Forest owners with certified sustainable operations gain competitive advantage as financial scrutiny intensifies. The EU's upcoming due diligence laws will make these scores legally relevant, not just reputational. Source: Forest500.org, Forest500 2025 Assessment
📊 Quick Hits
1. 🔥 Spain Battles Fire-Prone Eucalyptus Plantations
Spanish communities are removing eucalyptus plantations after studies link them to increased fire intensity. Galicia leads efforts to replace non-native species with native forests. Local governments push for conversion to reduce fire risk.
The takeaway: Fire-prone species face regulatory backlash across southern Europe. Source: European forestry fire management initiatives by Reporterre
2. 📋 EUDR Training Sessions Open September 23
The European Commission launches virtual training for the EUDR Information System on September 23 and 30, 2025, but both sessions are already filled up. PEFC published its FAQ guide September 9. Major companies like Holmen begin live system testing mid-September.
The takeaway: If you missed registration, download PEFC's FAQ guide and start bilateral talks with your certifier now. Source: EC Green Forum - EUDR Implementation
3. ⚠️ Austrian Sawmills Warn: EUDR Could Cut Production 10%
Austria's sawmill association reports members may reduce output by up to 10% due to EUDR compliance costs. Industry estimates €200 million upfront costs plus €65 million annually. Small mills processing under 50,000 cubic meters face the highest burden.
The takeaway: Prepare for potential supply tightness as smaller mills struggle with compliance. Source: Lesprom - Austrian Sawmill EUDR Warning
4. 💰 Derome Invests €500M in Swedish Timber Housing
Sweden's Derome Group breaks ground on 177 timber apartments in Flatås, Gothenburg. Two buildings (5 and 6 floors) use timber frame construction. First tenants expected 2026, completion 2027.
The takeaway: Mass timber moves from niche to mainstream in Nordic construction markets. Source: Lesprom - Derome Investment
5. 🌱 UK Opens Europe's Largest Forest Seed Centre
Forestry England's new Cheshire facility will process 4 tonnes of seeds annually. The center can grow millions of climate-adapted trees. Opening September 12, it targets 50 million trees by 2030.
The takeaway: Climate-resilient seed supply becomes strategic infrastructure investment. Source: BBC News - UK Seed Centre
💎 ForestryBrief Professional Update
Big announcement from yesterday's LinkedIn post:
The logo changed - you might have noticed. More importantly, I'm making Professional more accessible.
New pricing (effective immediately):
Monthly: €49 (was €97)
Annual: €490 (save €98!)
I'm ditching Monday Trading Edge to focus on what matters: deep-dive reports on EUDR, carbon markets, and critical forestry topics.
Why the change? I need ForestryBrief to be my full-time work by summer 2026, or I'll have to abandon the project. Being 100% honest - at €97, not enough people subscribed despite showing interest.
What's included:
Complete EUDR Compliance Series (available now, updated constantly)
Carbon Markets Part 1 (published last week)
Carbon Markets Part 2 (this Friday, Sept 19)
Monthly deep-dive reports on critical topics
This is the lowest price it will ever be.
The Week Ahead 📅
Sept 18-19: Forest Technology Conference, Salzburg
Sept 19: ForestryBrief Carbon Markets Part 2 (Professional)
Sept 23: EUDR Information System training (virtual)
Sept 30: Second EUDR training session
💡 One Thing to Try This Week
Still try to register for the September EUDR training sessions. Even if you think you're ready, the Q&A alone is worth your time. Spots are already filled up, but you might be lucky and find a dropout. If you missed registration, download PEFC's FAQ guide and start bilateral talks with your certifier now.
Until Thursday!
Wish you all the best: Peter
P.S. What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in forestry right now?
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