CO2 Tree in addition to the opportunity to generate income through Carbon Credits, also offers the chance to use Paulownia trees for various bio-based applications. These include wood production for the construction industry or wood fibre for mushroom cultivation, insulation material and acoustic panels, for example.
Paulownia wood is one of the lightest woods, with a density of only 265 kg per cubic metre - the 'aluminium' among woods. This property makes it particularly suitable for applications where both strength and low weight are required. The honeycomb structure of the fibres provides excellent strength, while the closed-cell structure keeps moisture content low (about 10%), making for a durable and stable material for acoustic panels, among others.
For the cultivation of Paulownia for timber production, a planting density of 820 trees per hectare is chosen, with a planting distance of 4×4 metres, supplemented by 40 fruit trees to promote biodiversity. This not only promotes timber production but also contributes to ecological balance.
After the trees are planted out, 120 Carbon Credits will be given away through Oncra, which are allocated for the CO₂ uptake that the trees capture in their growth. After 9 to 10 years, the trees can be harvested. The expected yield is between 0.8 and 1 m³ of wood per tree, giving a total yield of 650 m³ per hectare. The yield is estimated at €80 to €150 per m³.
After harvesting, the remaining amount of Carbon Credits will be determined depending on the amount of CO₂ captured up to that point. It is expected that 450 Carbon Credits will be generated after the full growth and harvest cycle.
This cultivation method provides a sustainable way to produce valuable timber, while offsetting CO₂ emissions and generating income through the sale of Carbon Credits.
Paulownia wood is known for its low moisture content of only 265 kg/m³, which makes it particularly light and quick drying - as early as 40 days outdoors. This makes it extremely suitable for wood fibre production, as it can be harvested quickly and processed efficiently.
What makes Paulownia even more attractive for sustainable applications is the regenerative nature of the tree. After harvesting, the tree sprouts again, and this process can be repeated several times, providing a long-term and renewable source of biomass.
Moreover, Paulownia's fibres are ideal for applications such as mushroom cultivation and home insulation, thanks to its excellent thermal insulation value. This makes Paulownia a sustainable choice for energy-efficient building materials.
A high planting density is chosen for growing Paulownia for wood fibre production. On one hectare, 2,000 Paulownia trees and 40 fruit trees will be planted, with a planting distance of 3×1.3 metres. This set-up promotes both wood fibre production and biodiversity.
After the trees are planted out, 120 Carbon Credits will be given away through Oncra, which are allocated for the CO₂ uptake that the trees will capture as they grow. After two years, the trees can be harvested, with an expected yield of 30 tonnes of dry biomass per hectare. The yield is estimated at €150 per tonne of dry biomass. The remaining Carbon Credits will be determined at harvest time, depending on the amount of carbon sequestered up to that point.
This cultivation method offers a sustainable way to both produce biomass and offset CO₂ emissions, while at the same time generating income through the sale of Carbon Credits.
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