Skogbasert

Skogbasert is a Norwegian term meaning based on forests. It is used to describe industries, research, or policies that derive material inputs or value from forest resources. The word combines skog (forest) with basert (based), and is commonly found in discussions about the Norwegian and broader Nordic forest sectors as well as in academic and policy contexts.

The forest-based sector covers a wide range of activities. Core activities include timber production, pulp and paper, and lumber processing, as well as wood-based products such as panels and furniture. It also encompasses forest-derived bioenergy and bio-based products, as well as non-timber forest products and forest-based tourism or recreation. In recent years, the term is increasingly associated with the forest-based bioeconomy, which aims to substitute fossil-based materials with wood analogues and other bio-based innovations.

In policy and industry discourse, skogbasert is often linked to sustainable forest management, certification schemes (for example to ensure supply chain responsibility), and efforts to create circular value chains. The concept supports climate and environmental goals by promoting carbon storage in forests and the substitution of more carbon-intensive materials with wood and biobased alternatives. It also emphasizes the potential for rural development and regional value creation.

Challenges and considerations include ensuring ecological balance, maintaining biodiversity, preventing overharvesting, and addressing market fluctuations. The term remains a flexible descriptor used in national strategies, industry reports, and research to characterize activities that rely on forests for resources, energy, and services while aiming for sustainable outcomes.