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Kährs, a leading wood flooring manufacturer, is addressing the significant demand for Swedish oak by sponsoring 20% of the cost of oak seedlings, making them cost free for forest owners. This initiative aims to stimulate the supply of Swedish oak for Kährs' flooring production, while supporting sustainable forestry practices.
Supporting Sustainable Oak Forestry
Kährs has a constant demand for Swedish oak, which is crucial for its high-quality flooring products. Despite some misconceptions about Swedish oak, which is sometimes seen as having too many knots, Kährs highlights that these characteristics make the wood ideal for flooring. The company values the uniqueness of oak and is committed to ensuring a steady supply of this vital raw material.
In Sweden, forest owners who regenerate their land with deciduous trees can receive up to 80% of the plant and planting costs paid for by the state. However, through Kährs’ sponsorship, the company now covers the remaining 20% of the cost for landowners who have recently harvested or delivered oak to them, or plan to do so soon. This effectively makes the seedlings cost free for those participating in the program.
The Importance of Swedish Oak
John Ahlgren, a wood buyer at Kährs, explains that the company consistently faces a high demand for Swedish raw materials.
“The sponsorship of oak seedlings is a way for us to show how important Swedish raw materials are for our production. Swedish oak is perfect for making floors, and while it may have some knots, many people prefer the character they add”
John Ahlgreen, Sourcing Manager
Encouraging Forest Owners to Participate
To benefit from Kährs' sponsorship, forest owners need to apply for government funding for oak regeneration and submit the approval decision and invoice for the oak plant purchase to Kährs. Once the necessary documentation is submitted, Kährs covers the 20% cost of the oak seedlings.