Krämer Druck supports regional reforestation initiative
- Category Sustainability, Regional
Trees for the regional forest of the future
These species are better adapted to future climatic conditions than many native trees. According to Hermanns, although many native tree species can adapt to the changed conditions, almost 80% of the trees in the current forest stand are damaged. This is due to the persistently dry summers from 2018 to 2022 as well as pests such as the bark beetle, which are particularly hard on spruce trees. Experimental plantings of sub-Mediterranean species such as downy oak and wild service tree, which are better able to cope with drought, are an important part of the fight against advancing climate change.
Despite the heavy rainfall since last autumn, the water reservoir in the upper soil layers can quickly be depleted by a few weeks of temperatures above 30 degrees. As heatwaves are increasingly likely in the future, it is important to establish new tree species that are better able to cope with the changed climatic conditions. ‘In contrast to shallow-rooted trees such as spruce, in which 85% of the roots only extend about 15 cm deep into the ground, the downy oak that we are planting here on a trial basis can root up to 2 metres deep. This helps it to survive longer periods of drought,’ explains forester Martin Hermanns. ‘The speed of temperature change due to climate change is exceeding the forest's ability to adapt. We are facing major challenges: 80% of trees are currently damaged. Of the almost 11.7 million hectares of forest in Germany, we will have to convert an estimated 3 million hectares by 2050.’
Planting new tree species is one way of making the forest of the future sustainable. Together with the University of Freiburg and the Forest Research Centre, Hermanns began establishing such trial areas here in the region in 2014. ‘Before implementing these measures across the board, you need to know which tree species will prove successful. This takes time and money, which is why I am grateful for the donation to the municipality of Lieser, through which the company Krämer Druck has made this trial area in the Lieser municipal forest possible,’ Hermanns continues.
The downy oak and wild service tree seedlings that were planted on the Lieserer Plateau last autumn are now almost 50 cm high and will need to be regularly pruned over the next five years so that they can grow into large trees. Krämer Druck will continue to be available to the Bernkastel-Noviand forest district of the Traben-Trarbach forestry office as a reliable partner for such trial areas.
Our family-run company is proud to make a sustainable contribution to the region. ‘For us, it's great that this project is so close by. It's practically on our doorstep and we can see how the trees are developing,’ says Managing Director Christian Krämer.
Sustainability is particularly important to us at Krämer Druck. We focus on resource- and climate-friendly production. For example, we utilise the waste heat from the machines to heat the halls and buildings. There are around 2,300 square metres of photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the printing halls, which cover a large part of our electricity requirements. In addition, our award-winning paper backing tape recycling project saves valuable resources. Up to 13 trees can be saved as fresh fibre per tonne of recycled carrier tape. Together with our customers, we recycle around 200 tonnes of carrier tape every year. In addition, our company is FSC and PEFC certified and prints almost exclusively on paper from certified sustainable forestry.
For almost two years now, we have been a member of the Fair'n Green association, which is committed to sustainable practices in viticulture and combines ecological, economic and social aspects.
‘The forest is invaluable for our environment and our quality of life. Through our partnership with the Bernkastel-Noviand forest district of the Traben-Trarbach forestry office, we want to give something back to the region and actively contribute to preserving the forests for future generations. Sustainability is not just part of our corporate philosophy, it is a matter close to our hearts’
Why is the forest so important?
The forest fulfils many essential functions, including:
- CO2 capture: Forests bind carbon dioxide and thus make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gases. Around 4.5 tonnes of CO2 are absorbed per hectare of forest every year.
- Production of the environmentally friendly raw material wood
- Jobs: The forest secures 1.1 million jobs nationwide.
- Heat protection: The trees provide natural heat protection and help to cool the environment. In a city, an avenue of trees can cool the temperature by around 15 degrees compared to the ambient temperature without vegetation.
- Flood protection: Forests act as natural water reservoirs like a kind of sponge and thus prevent flood peaks. Here, too, important projects are currently being driven forward in the forest to better mitigate heavy rainfall events.
- Leisure and recreation centre: Forests are important recreational areas for people and offer numerous leisure opportunities. It has been proven that a visit to the forest has health benefits. For example, cortisol levels are lowered.
- Oxygen production and fine dust filtration: Trees filter fine dust out of the air and thus improve air quality.
- Valuable habitat: The forest provides a valuable habitat for many animal and plant species.
- Prevention of damage caused by erosion
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