Odo Maletzki
Paulownia - the climate tree
Updated: Feb 14, 2022
The Paulownia is one of the fastest growing tree species in the world. After just 10 years it reaches a diameter at breast height (BHD) of 40cm and a height of 16m. A cultivated plantation binds approx. 35t CO2 per hectare (ha) per year and helps to protect existing natural forests from overexploitation and uncontrolled deforestation.
Since Paulownia grows faster than most other tree species, it allows quick returns of capital.
Paulownia supplies the high-priced paulownia wood, which is valued as „aluminum among woods“ and can also be used as a substitute for many types of tropical wood. In addition, the use of lighter types of wood is considered a major future trend in the wood-based materials industry and enables, among other things, the development of new and superior composite materials. At the same time, the resource of wood is becoming increasingly scarce and therefore more expensive due to the increasing world population.
After harvesting, the Paulownia sprouts from the roots again and so begins an economically and ecologically lucrative cycle. Because the plantation does not have to be replanted after the harvest, on the contrary, due to the strong root system, the following shoot grows much faster and the rotation period is reduced by at least two years. The plantation can then either continue to be cultivated or leased a second and third time to an investment company.
