In Chile, forest plantations have allowed the development of a sustainable industry due of decades of sustained growth. The country currently has a patrimony of 2.1 million hectares of forest plantations, which consist mainly on Radiata Pine ( or Pino Insigne) and Eucalyptus Globulus, among other species.

In 1974 the statute 701 was enacted, which requires all forests harvested within 2 years to be replanted, therefore established that for every cut tree, two needed to be planted. Thanks to this statute 300.000 hectares were planted in the 70´s and currently it has grown into an area seven times larger.

These plantations supply 97% of the forest industry and represents about 13% of the country’s forest heritage. With an area that covers at least 3% of the national territory, this sustainable management has allowed an indirect protection of the native forest. Besides, these tree crops have added a valuable environmental contribution, helping to reduce the greenhouse effect and erosion. They also have allowed the recovery of eroded, without vegetable cover, sandy and depleted soils.

Industrias Rio Itata II is located in the center of the country, in the Bio Bio Region. This Region has almost 44% of the Chilean forest plantations, of which 82% is Radiata Pine.

The Bio Bio Region has 275 miles of shore and 4 very important commercials ports considered model of competition in the country, allowing connectivity between our products and the world. From this region, Chile exports the major volume of forest products and raw material supply for pulp and paper manufacturers, sawmills and related activities.

Besides, the Bio Bio Region is known for its agroforestry, fishing and mine industries. Actually the industry that demands the greater percentage of labor is the first one, because has more exporting trade.