Research into UK Firewood – Cleaner Products Leads the Way in Sustainability and Quality

At Cleaner Products, we believe that true innovation comes from understanding every stage of the supply chain — from the source of raw materials to the moment the product reaches the customer. Following the tremendous success of our Grillardin Charcoal Project, which took our team to South America to research sustainable production methods first-hand, we have now turned our attention to another vital resource for the hospitality industry — firewood.

Our UK Firewood Research Project was established with three clear objectives:

1. To ensure premium quality
2. To guarantee sustainability
3. To reduce cost and environmental impact for our London clients

1. Quality – The Foundation of Every Great Burn

The quality of firewood varies dramatically depending on its source, type, and preparation. In the UK most firewood originates from broadleaved woodlands managed for both commercial use and biodiversity. These forests support diverse ecosystems including woodland flowers, birds and bats. They are carefully maintained to balance harvesting with habitat conservation.

Typically, the timber used for firewood is low-grade wood, unsuitable for construction or furniture and often the result of coppicing, thinning, or arboricultural by-products known as “arisings.” In some cases, firewood is also salvaged from wind-damaged forests, where storms and strong winds have naturally felled trees, providing a plentiful and renewable source of material. This approach ensures that the wood used in our supply chain is both ethically sourced and environmentally responsible, supporting the UK’s woodland management and biodiversity efforts.

2. Sustainability – Rethinking How Firewood Reaches London

Our research revealed that much of the firewood currently used in the London restaurant and hospitality sector is transported from distant parts of the UK — often arriving on 18-tonne lorries. This practice not only adds unnecessary cost but also carries a significant environmental burden, with high fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, many firewood products marketed as “kiln-dried” are far from sustainable, whilst kiln drying achieves a low moisture content (below 20%), it does so at a heavy environmental cost requiring large amounts of energy to heat and dry the logs.

By contrast, sun-dried firewood naturally reaches the same moisture content over time without consuming energy. Although this process takes longer, it results in a cleaner, greener and more sustainable product — one that aligns perfectly with our company’s environmental commitments and our clients’ growing focus on sustainability.

3. Cost – Local Sourcing for Long-Term Value

Transporting heavy loads of logs into London is not only inefficient — it is expensive. Our goal was to reduce this dependency by sourcing firewood locally, within the M25. This strategy cuts transport costs, reduces carbon emissions and supports regional woodland industries.

By partnering with ethical, local suppliers who specialise in sun-dried firewood, we have managed to secure a product that delivers on all fronts: consistent quality, sustainability and cost-efficiency.

Summary – A Smarter, Greener Firewood Solution for London

Our research has confirmed what we long suspected - the most effective firewood solution for London restaurants and hospitality venues is one that is locally sourced, sun-dried and responsibly harvested.

Pictured above are 2 Ash logs. This is a picture of two logs taken from Ash trees from different parts of the country. Although they look similar they actually have a very different carbon footprint. The log on the left has a moisture value of less than 20% - this log was grown in Kent. The log on the right also has the moisture rating of less than 20%, however it was delivered to us with over a 200 mile round-trip on an 18 ton lorry. It was also dried in a kiln which requires a great deal of energy. Although the two logs are virtually the same one has a much higher carbon footprint than the other.

Needless to say, the log on the left is a much more sustainable choice

Cleaner Products and Grillardin are therefore proud to introduce what we believe to be the most sustainable and cost-effective firewood supply in London today. By combining traditional, natural drying methods with modern logistics and environmental awareness, we are setting a new benchmark for ethical and efficient firewood supply.

Our clients can now enjoy premium-quality firewood with superior burn performance, low moisture content and the peace of mind that comes from supporting a sustainable, locally based supply chain.

If you are using logs in your cooking process you really should get in touch to find out more about our firewood research project or arrange a trial delivery, please visit www.grillardin.co.uk or contact our team at Cleaner Products by calling 01689 861984