With the other European Woodworking Industries associations, FEP fully supports the scope and the objectives of the EUDR and strongly opposes all forms of deforestation and forest degradation. At the same time, FEP regrets that the EUDR has become a huge administrative and regulatory monster, and that implementing tools are far from ready, reflecting that the EC is lagging behind its schedule. 

Potential defaults have been frequently underlined by stakeholders, including FEP, since the beginning of the legislative procedure (geolocalisation of plots, impacts on small producers, data confidentiality, administrative burden, etc.). Unfortunately, some issues are still observed while the deadline for implementation is approaching. 

The Information System

A significant example is the Information System (IS), intended to be the main tool supporting the EUDR implementation by all the actors, which is still at an early stage of development and needs significant improvements, in particular when it comes to the automatic, reliable and safe collection, registration, and protection of commercially sensitive information.

At the end of last year, FEP, as a member of the EU “Expert Group/Multi-Stakeholder Platform on Protecting and Restoring the World’s Forests with a focus on deforestation”, had the possibility to propose its interested Members to participate to the pilot testing of this IS. Among 100 companies selected from all sectors concerned (EUDR is not only covering wood and wood products but also cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, rubber and cattle), not less than 3 FEP Members were retained and took part to the testing. 

The feedback from all participants, whatever their sector, to the testing, held in December 2023-February 2024, is clear: the IS in present state is not enough user-friendly and intuitive. For instance, the geolocation coordinates need to be provided as part of Due Diligence Statements (DDS) that must be submitted to the IS which, regretfully, does not allow so far for any transfer of information between the 2 systems but rather opts for almost completely manual data entry, bringing not only higher costs and administrative burden, but also an increased risk of errors. Furthermore, there are growing concerns of data protection and data security as it remains unclear who oversees the data management. 

These are practicalities that can be solved or improved but this will take time…and pleads for the proposal FEP has made to the EC to have a second round of IS testing.

The risk-based approach

Moreover, the European Woodworking Industries, including FEP, are greatly concerned that the EC could intend to delay the application of the much-needed risk-based approach – practically implemented via a risk benchmarking of producing countries (low, standard, and high risk) – which is essential for enabling compliance with the EUDR by market actors and the Competent Authorities (CA) of the EU Member States, as well as for incentivising good practices in producing countries (EU Member States or third countries). 

Instead, all countries will now apparently be designated as “standard risk” in order to “give them more time to adapt” to the new Regulation. It is crucial to understand that the benchmarking of countries is a central part of the EUDR and its implementation, and any delays related to this classification will only result in additional costs and administrative burden for market actors, without any real advantages either for the producing countries or for the CAs.

Indeed, per the EUDR, whether market actors source their commodities from standard risk countries or from high risk countries, they are facing the same Due Diligence obligations. Simply put, the benefit implied by the seemingly planned delay of the country risk benchmarking does not exist because no simplified procedure for exports or imports is actually foreseen for standard risk countries, compared to high risk countries.

The only difference between the two tiers of risk is the implication that it has on the control and verification obligations of CAs: CAs must control 9% of all the operators placing or making available on the market or exporting relevant commodities and products originating from high risk countries, compared to 3% in the case of relevant commodities and products originating from standard risks countries. 

However, it is essential to identify low risk countries as the implications are significant to all actors: when sourcing from low risk countries, market actors do actually benefit from the possibility of simplified Due Diligence, while CAs can reduce the number of controls to 1%.

There are also concerns about the credibility of a growing number of emerging private parties offering to facilitate Due Diligence submissions, and which are developing concepts on the current lack of information.

The transition period

Additionally, in the case of wood, aspects related to the transition period from the currently applicable EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) to the EUDR still need to be clarified. The goal is to ensure that wood which has been legally sourced until 30 December 2024 in full compliance with the EUTR can be sold on the EU market. It is crucial that the EU IS takes this into account and does not require retrospective submission of data of downstream producers when they place goods on the markets which originates of raw material harvested before 30 December 2024.

These difficulties associated with the implementation of the EUDR are reflected by the challenges faced by the EC when seeking to deliver on its own commitments under the Regulation. The EC is clearly lagging behind its schedule.

FEP requests

In the light of all the above, FEP, with all sectors concerned by EUDR, is continuously informing the EC of the weaknesses of the IS. FEP, with other European Woodworking Industries associations, is also urging the EU institutions to delay the entry into application of the EUDR for the operators and traders, to amend the EUDR in order to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and to provide actors with sufficient time to adapt for full and adequate compliance.

Finally, FEP is in contact with the certification scheme FSC and discusses with them the alignment of their relevant modules to the EUDR requirements. FEP is continuously informing its Members on the information delivered by FSC (webinars, key takeaways, links…) as well as from PEFC which started a bit later its procedure. 

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The author talks to us again about a subject close to his heart – the instinctive emotional and spiritual connection between human beings and the nature around us. Being surrounded by nature has unexpected positive benefits… Shall we start with parquet?

Fabio Braga

I’ve already spoken about this in these pages, but the subject is so close to my heart that I want to go back to it.

Biophilia is a concept which describes the instinctive emotional and spiritual connection between human beings and the nature around us. This is a link deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. We were immersed in nature for centuries, we depended on it to survive and prosper. Biophilia is about the innate desire to connect with the lives and elements in nature, like plants, animals, water and the countryside.

It is a concept which goes beyond a simple aesthetic preference for natural greenery and beauty.  It involves the feeling of well-being on a mental, emotional and physical level that we get when we are in a natural environment. Biophilia inspires us to appreciate, respect and want to interact with the natural world.

Why is it important?

Biophilia is important, in my point of view, because our connection with nature has a significant impact on our global well-being. 

Let’s see how:

• Mental and emotional well-being: contact with nature reduces stress, improves mood and helps concentration. This contributes to better mental and emotional health;
• Physical health: Spending time in the open air in a natural environment encourages an active life, reduces blood pressure and reinforces the immune system, thus improving physical health;
• Learning and concentration: natural environments can increase concentration and cognitive capacity. Recent studies show that students learn better and more quickly when they have access to green areas;
• Better sleep: regular contact with nature can contribute to better, more restorative sleep.  Exposure to natural light and fresh air can regulate the sleep-wake cycles;
• Creativity and inspiration: being in nature can stimulate creativity and inspiration. Green areas can encourage refection leading to new ideas and innovative solutions;

Sustainability and environmental awareness: biophilia can increase our awareness of the importance of saving the environment and encourage us to behave in more sustainable ways.

Who coined the term biophilia?

The biologist Edward Wilson, through his work and theories on biology and ecology, introduced the concept of biophilia in his book “Biophilia” in 1984.  In the book Wilson explored the innate link in human beings to the natural world and how this connection is fundamental for human well-being and development. His research contributed significantly to understanding the importance of this link in people’s lives and to designing urban and architectural projects.

Biophilia, the book

Published in 1984, the book Biophilia is a significant contribution to understanding the innate connection between human beings and the natural world.In it, Wilson analyses how mankind’s evolutionary history has been shaped by its relationship with nature and how this connection has a profound impact on our physical, mental and emotional well-being.  He maintains that human beings, as they were totally immersed in nature for a long time, have developed a profound, instinctive connection to the natural world.

The book also explores how this connection with nature can positively influence human health by reducing stress, improving mood and encouraging a better quality of life.  Wilson stresses the importance of integrating biophilia into urban planning, schools and workplaces to create healthier and more sustainable environments.

Through his work, Wilson has contributed to raising public awareness of the importance of preserving and valuing nature not just for its beauty, but also for its tangible benefits to human well-being.In short, Biophilia has had a long-term impact in encouraging the understanding of our intrinsic link to nature and inspiring a more aware approach to conserving the environment.

How can we introduce biophilia into everyday live?

• Spend time in the open air: spending time outdoors in natural environments like parks, gardens and woods or going for long walks in nature – trekking, practicing outdoor sport or simply walking in nature can encourage a more profound connection to the natural environment;
• Create green areas: growing indoor plants or creating a garden, even if it’s small, can bring nature directly into our domestic environment. 
• This can be a tangible way to nurture biophilia where we live;
• Furnishings in natural materials: using natural elements in our homes like wood, stone or natural textiles can create an environment which encourages biophilia.  Including plants, flowers and objects which reflect nature in our homes can produce a more profound connection to the environment.
• Practice mindfulness in nature: practicing mindfulness or meditation in nature can intensify our connection to it.  Harmonising with the sounds, scents and sensations of nature can be a way to form a profound connection with our surrounding environment;
• Appreciation and respect for nature: developing a mentality of appreciation and respect for nature could be essential.  Taking care of the environment, adopting more sustainable behaviours and making others aware of the importance of conserving nature are ways of making biophilia part of daily life.

The approach to biophilia is multidimensional and can be lived in unique, different ways by each of us.  My advice is to incorporate these aspects into everyday life to enrich our relationship with nature and encourage a deeper and more significant tie with the natural world.

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From 16 to 21 April, Milan hosted the event of the year dedicated to furniture and design. The 62nd edition of the Salone del Mobile was dedicated to the theme of sustainability: this is the reason that led some of the most prestigious brands present to use Family to embellish and give warmth to their exhibition spaces.

Family, a new generation wood floor, totally reflects the ‘sustainable’ mission of the entire Florian Group, European leader in the processing of hardwood. Family, a real wood floor 100% made in Italy and constructed of only elements from certified forests and ennobled with a top layer of oak or walnut veneer.

Sustainability communicated not only by the technical construction of the product but also by its patented 5g joint that allows it to be freely disassembled and reassembled in a new environment. Family was a great success in the exhibition spaces of the companies: Arcom Bagno, Maronese Acf, Ritzwell, Valentini and Tomasella. Let’s take a detailed look at the colours chosen by Florian Group’s partners:

• Arcom Bagno: brought on stage the iconic bathroom collections using Family in Margarita color.
• Maronese Acf: change as a daily challenge, which is why the manufacturer of bedrooms, dining rooms and living rooms has chosen Family in the elegant White Lady colour scheme.
• Ritzwell: Family meets the tastes of this Japanese company that combines design with Japanese philosophy. Ritzwell has chosen Family in Daiquiri colour for its elegant and essential space.
• Valentini: the made in Italy icon in the furnishing sector for over 60 years. Valentini has chosen Family in the Cuba Libre colour.
• Tomasella: looking to the past to interpret the future; an ambitious mission. Tomasella has chosen Family in customised colouring in order not to give up the charm of our wooden floor but customising it to its own products. 

An important plus of Family, the possibility to customise the colouring to get the best result without renouncing to the quality of Family.

Click and take a peek at the Virtual Tour!

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Fabio Braga

The beauty of parquet lies in its naturalness, its identity as living matter which breathes and changes along with its owner.

A wooden floor is sensitive to light, which speeds up oxidation, to wear and tear and to heat sources.  But the real sworn enemy of parquet, whether layered or solid, is humidity, which can have hidden effects both during the winter and in summer.

So, here is some advice to give your clients before the summer season, or even during it (better late than never!).

Before reaching for the air conditioner on switch, which we have needed to do particularly in recent years with the very hot summers we’re having from north to south, let’s remember our dear, old cosy wood parquet.

The ideal microclimate

The important thing to remember is that a wood floor likes the same living conditions as human beings. The ideal climate for parquet is the ideal climate for the person who lives with it, that is humidity between 45% and 65% and a temperature between 18° and 25° C.

A house with an ideal interior climate will be good for its inhabitants as well as for its solid or prefinished wood floor. Prolonged exposure to excessive humidity which tires us out will also have consequences for the parquet.

How does a wood floor behave?

A wood floor tends to absorb the moisture in the air and this causes the wood to swell if excessive. 

In winter, heating systems can dry out the air enough to affect the tile joints (which tend to shrink). 

In summer, on the other hand, careless use of air conditioning can create a “tropical” microclimate inside the house which can deform the parquet.  This happens because air conditioners cool the air with gas which is then recycled using a fan with no control over the average temperature or the amount of humidity in the environment.

How to monitor humidity and take any necessary action

To keep parquet beautiful over time (and guarantee customer satisfaction, so that they come back to us for maintenance or for their house in the mountains), we should tell our clients to monitor the humidity in the house.

It is possible to use a hygrometer, often used at weather stations, for domestic use.

To influence environmental conditions and optimise them, it is advisable to use a dehumidifier, which captures the humidity in the air. 

There are also appliances available which can do the opposite too, to combat winter dryness. However, the best solution for keeping a house at a constant temperature and humidity is an indoor climate control system, which as well as cooling the air filters it and is connected to a thermostat for temperature control.

Quality is the key

In the final analysis, we need to remember that the characteristics of the parquet itself, as well as the environmental conditions influence how it will react to humidity. A quality floor, laid in the right way will resist critical conditions better. 

You can also remind your clients of this. In any case, if temperature and humidity are controlled in hot weather, parquet will resist and keep its beauty for a long time as well as helping to insulate the house from the exterior heat.

Remember!

The important thing to remember is that a wood floor likes the same living conditions as human beings. 

The ideal climate for parquet is the ideal climate for the person who lives with it, that is humidity between 45% and 65% and a temperature between 18° and 25° C.

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Oak is the most sought-after wood because of its classic grain and shades as well as its suitability for tinting and colouring.

www.friulparchet.it

L'articolo Fashions change, parquet stays sembra essere il primo su I Love Parquet.

This parquet gives an original, sophisticated touch to any kind of space and can be matched with very different styles making it perfect for those who like to have a discreet originality.

https://almafloor.it

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Parchettificio Garbelotto is a leader in the production of 100% made in Italy wooden floors. Since 1950, passion and style have sealed a creative union between innovation, art and design. All products are suitable for green building, eco-sustainable and certified, respect the environment and the raw materials come from controlled reforestation areas. The research and development department continually studies new proposals to meet the needs of the interior design world.

www.garbelotto.it

L'articolo 100% made in Italy sembra essere il primo su I Love Parquet.

Arrow

www.woodco.it

L'articolo The eclectic format for spectacular parquet floors sembra essere il primo su I Love Parquet.

Imagine opening the door and leaving behind the noise, chaos and rhythms of the city to immerse yourself in a safe, healthy and solid place. Your home. This project, like all those of Fiemme Tremila, is inspired by the concept of well-being in the home environment. The floor must act as a natural connection between the woods and the house: in this case made by a beautiful chevron pattern in Nocciolieve essence, one of the thermowood oaks from the Luci di Fiemme collection.

Fiemme Tremila was born from a forward-looking vision: to offer a unique, natural and absolutely healthy and biocompatible product. Their dream and promise are to surround customers homes with nature and enhance their well-being. For this reason they have thought of a product designed and manufactured to last a lifetime and only made with natural materials and procedures. A totally biocompatible product, articulated in rich and variable collections able to accommodate and satisfy different customers’ styles and tastes.

www.fiemmetremila.it

L'articolo Nocciolieve sembra essere il primo su I Love Parquet.

Berti offers one of the most valuable tropical wooden species used for the production of wooden floors in its most prized variety coming from Asia.

With good hardness, extraordinary resistance to humidity and teperature changes, Teak ensures the places in which it is used a very long duration. Its straight fibers in brown color with green and yellow veins, which will change into a honeyed tone color over time, are rich in oily resin, which give brilliance to the floor a special brilliance.

www.berti.net

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