@phdthesis{Auer2022, author = {Auer, Veronika}, title = {The value chain of hardwood and the transition to a wood-based bioeconomy}, school = {Technische Hochschule Rosenheim}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Germany is rich in hardwood, which could be an excellent carbon sink. However, instead of being used for long-term carbon storing products, nearly half of the resource is simply burned. This is an unfortunate paradox. The transition to a wood-based bioeconomy is a necessary step for Germany to reach the CAP 2050 goals. This, however, requires the resolution of the paradox and the use of wood primarily as long-term carbon storage. The increase in the valorisation of hardwood used for durable products allows hardwood to be used as long-term carbon storage and simultaneously widens the limited supply potential of wood as resource. Rethinking the hardwood uses and the new strategic orientation of the forest and wood industries requires a clear vision that is shared by the different actors in the wood value chain. This thesis evaluates how hardwood value chains and the valorisation of hardwood support the transition to a wood-based bioeconomy in Germany in a novel three-step value chain analysis approach. Hardwood valorisation fosters this transition because the use of hardwood as material increases supply security within the wood-based bioeconomy. Transparent hardwood flows uncover untapped resource potentials and thus enable a re-allocation of hardwood flows from resource to production. The thesis suggests new strategies and policy recommendations for industries, associations, and policy makers whose application would increase the material use of hardwood. The thesis adds to the existing body of knowledge by considering for the first time the whole wood value chain. It is a pioneer as it provides a consistent set of data for the hardwood value chain for the first time. It uses the methods of systematic literature review, material flow analysis, and the hybrid policy Delphi-SWOT analysis. The results show that the hardwood value chain supports the transition to a wood-based bioeconomy through the increase of hardwood used as material for value-added products.}, language = {de} }