House of Representatives on the Wrong Track with Motion to Discourage Import of Woody Biomass

03-05-2024

On April 23, the House of Representatives, with 112 votes in favor (only VVD, CDA, and BBB opposed), called on the government through the Teunissen/Postma motion to strongly discourage the import of woody biomass. We consider this motion to be misguided, as it does not adequately address the necessity for high-quality utilization of bio-resources in order to reduce dependence on petroleum. Additionally, sustainable forestry practices are possible, as evidenced by industries such as the paper industry.

High-quality use is focused on the creation of plastics and materials in which biogenic carbon is stored for the long term. This includes the goal of long-lasting use and recyclability. The utilization of bio-based raw materials is one of the few possibilities to achieve negative CO2 emissions. It represents an opportunity for Dutch businesses for sustainable entrepreneurship and offers a prospect for consumers to purchase sustainable products.

In the case of low-quality use, the bio-based raw materials are burned in power plants or used as fuel for mobility. For aviation and shipping, bio-based raw materials are currently the only realistic alternative to replace kerosene and diesel derived from petroleum. Unfortunately, the nuance of using woody bio-based raw materials and the economic importance of the green new economy is not reflected in this motion.

In conclusion, to get society off fossil fuels, the use of bio-based raw materials, particularly high-quality ones, needs to increase significantly. We would like to urge the government to explore nationally and internationally how to sustainably increase the volume of bio-based raw materials, both woody and non-woody.

This is an international challenge to form and strengthen value chains. Sustainable forest management is a key focus and starting point in this regard. Misconduct that has rightly been highlighted by the media must be avoided. With this approach, the Netherlands can profile itself and benefit from building a new sustainable economy. We have the knowledge and skills, and resources have been made available (e.g., through the National Growth Fund). Sustainable construction also relies on bio-based raw materials. It is an illusion to produce the required volumes nationally; importing bio-based raw materials from within and outside the EU is essential.

Limiting the development and potential through the implementation of this motion discourages businesses and hampers the necessary chain formation. Therefore, the business climate in the Netherlands is also affected. For further context, we refer to the Knowledge Base on Bio-based Raw Materials - CE Delft report commissioned by Natuur en Milieu.

Read the full motion by Teunissen / Postma here.