01 The global cross-laminated timber (CLT) market is witnessing strong momentum as sustainable construction gains prominence across the globe. CLT, a prefabricated engineered wood product made from glueing layers of solid-sawn timber at right angles, is becoming a core material in modern green architecture due to its structural strength, low carbon footprint, and efficient prefabrication capabilities. Growing environmental concerns, increasing restrictions on CO₂ emissions in the construction sector, and government incentives for green buildings are key drivers of this market.Additionally, rising urbanisation and the shift toward modular construction in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific reinforce demand. The adoption of CLT in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings is supported by its superior fire resistance, seismic performance, and shorter construction timelines. Trends such as the emergence of tall timber buildings, circular economy principles, and integration with Building Information Modelling (BIM) are pushing innovation in the sector. Furthermore, companies are investing in automation and robotics in CLT production to enhance precision and output. These trends highlight CLT’s transition from a niche product to a mainstream construction material globally.
01 Surge in Tall Timber Construction Projects One of the most transformative trends in the global CLT market is the rise of tall timber buildings. Architects and developers are increasingly adopting CLT for constructing multi-story commercial and residential buildings, due to its strength-to-weight ratio, seismic performance, and low environmental impact. As of 2025, several high-rise timber structures are being commissioned globally, showcasing CLT’s architectural and engineering feasibility. For example, Stockholm Wood City, Sweden, initiated by Atrium Ljungberg, is an ambitious project to construct the world's largest wooden urban area, spanning 250,000 square meters. Scheduled to break ground in 2025, the development will feature 2,000 homes and 7,000 office spaces, emphasising the scalability of CLT in large-scale urban planning. Additionally, advancements in digital fabrication and fireproof adhesives are expanding CLT’s use cases in complex architectural designs. As tall timber gains regulatory support in markets like the U.S., Canada, and the EU, and code revisions permit wooden buildings over 18 stories, the demand for CLT is projected to surge. This trend promotes sustainability and shortens construction timelines through prefabrication and modular techniques.
June 2026 Stora Enso partnered with ByggPartner to deliver its first project using fully electric truck transportation for Sylva™ cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements, reducing carbon emissions in timber construction logistics.
June 2026 Stora Enso's Ybbs mill in Austria surpassed one million cubic meters of cross-laminated timber (CLT) delivered worldwide, marking a major production milestone and reinforcing its position in mass timber manufacturing.
May 2025 Stora Enso completed the acquisition of Finnish sawmill company Junnikkala, increasing its sawmilling capacity by approximately 700,000 m³ annually and strengthening the wood supply for its engineered wood and CLT business.