The Stove Industry Association (SIA) will be educating consumers on the most effective and safest ways to use a domestic wood burner this January with the #PositiveWoodburning campaign, to coincide with Clean Air Night.
Its #PositiveWoodburning campaign, which is running across social media between the 15th and 25th January, responds to growing public discussion around air quality and domestic combustion, and is designed to complement the wider Clean Air Night conversation.
The SIA says that while air pollution is a serious issue, it is important to recognise the contribution the stove industry has made over the last 10 years towards improving air quality.
Erica Malkin, Executive Director of the Stove Industry Association, said:
“Air quality matters, and it’s right that it receives attention. But treating all wood burning as identical risks missing where the biggest gains can actually be made. The UK stove industry has undergone significant transformation over the past decade. Modern stoves must meet strict emissions and efficiency limits under UK law, and manufacturers continue to invest in improved combustion and performance. Indeed, official government statistics show that emissions of PM2.5 and PM10 from domestic combustion fell by 17% between 2020 and 2023*, reflecting the impact of tighter regulation, product innovation and increased consumer awareness.
“Not all wood burning is the same, so our focus this Clean Air Night and throughout the year is on evidence-led, practical steps that households can take to reduce emissions by upgrading old appliances, using the correct fuel, following best practice and speaking to a professional chimney sweep so that our sector continues to be able to contribute towards lowering emissions.”
The SIA’s #PositiveWoodburning campaign highlights five key areas where emissions reductions can be achieved in practice:
- modern, regulated appliances
- professional installation
- good-quality wood fuel
- correct lighting and refuelling techniques
- annual chimney sweeping
Rather than disputing health concerns, the campaign is designed to encourage behaviour change and informed decision-making, helping households burn more efficiently and responsibly.
The SIA stresses that its campaign is not about denial, but about contributing constructively to the air-quality discussion. Erica added:
“Improving air quality isn’t about just one thing. It’s about standards, innovation and education working together. This is a regulated sector that continues to improve, and supporting best practice is one of the most effective ways to deliver real-world emissions reductions.”