Brussels, Thursday 21 March 2024

The European Panel Federation (EPF) announces the appointment of Pablo Figueroa López as its new Chairman, succeeding Martin Brettenthaler. On Wednesday 20 March, Mr Brettenthaler has officially concluded his tenure as Chairman, intertwined with his previous role as SWISS KRONO Group CEO, leaving behind a legacy of transformative leadership and dedication to the industry.

Throughout his mandate, Martin Brettenthaler played a central role in steering EPF towards strategic development and impactful advocacy. Under his leadership, EPF expanded its strategic priorities, fostered inclusivity within the Managing Board, and above all actively engaged with policymakers and industry stakeholders to champion the collective interests of its members.

Reflecting on his departure, Mr Brettenthaler stated: “I am heartened by the progress we have made together in positioning our wood-based panel sector as a role model industry that will play a pivotal role in fighting climate change in European building. I wish my successor Pablo Figueroa wisdom and success in leading this important European trade organisation”.

Pablo Figueroa López will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role as Chairman of EPF. With an academic background in Economics (University of Santiago de Compostela, London Business School (LBS)) and leadership roles related to Exports, Markets and Sales at FINSA, and as a respected leader with the wood-based panel industry, Mr Figueroa López is eager to build upon EPF’s achievements and lead the federation towards a strong future.

In his inaugural statement, the new EPF Chairman expressed his commitment to advancing EPF’s strategic directions and strengthening its position as a key advocate for the industry: “I am honoured to assume this new role and look forward to further working closely with the Board and connecting with relevant stakeholders to drive sustainable growth, modernity, and innovation within the wood-based panel sector”.

For further information, please contact EPF Administration and Communications Officer:

Mrs Isabelle Henin

info@europanels.org

In conjunction with the Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival, the 6^th clean transition dialogue, chaired by European Commissions’ Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, brought together stakeholders from forest industry associations, academia, NGOs, financial institutions and Commission representatives. The aim of this Dialogue held on 14 March was to address pressing challenges and explore opportunities to unlock the potential of the forest-based bioeconomy. The Commission will provide an update on all the dialogues in a communication scheduled for April.

EPF is proud that Rui Correia (CEO, SONAE ARAUCO), member of our Managing Board, was invited to this meeting, bringing essential messages directly to top echelons of Brussels politics.

On that occasion, we also thank the participants actively engaged in the wood and pulp & paper industries: Ilkka Hämälä (CEO Metsä Group), Hans Sohlström (CEO Stora Enso), Marco Eikelenboom (CEO Sappi Europe) and Juergen Bergner (CEO HS Timber Group).

More information from SONAE ARAUCO is available in this web article

EPF Key messages

• Cascade Use of Biomass – implementing the RED III legislation as the most resource efficient use of our raw material.
• Market Mechanisms – Eliminate market distorting subsidies and ensure that woody biomass is used according to its highest economic and environmental added value.
• Green Industrial Deal – Rebalance the Green Deal so that industry is a European driver and not leakage with production moving overseas.

Brussels, Friday 23 February 2024

The European Panel Federation (EPF) has signed the Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal. EPF joins 72 leading companies and 34 industry associations representing more than 7.8 million jobs in calling for the Industrial Deal to be put the core of the new European Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029.

A fulfillment of the Antwerp Declaration would allow industry to take its position as a key driver towards a resilient, competitive, and sustainable Europe, that works for all.

A key highlight of this Declaration is its ambition to reindustrialise Europe, positioning Europe as a global leader in sustainable and innovative industry. This message sheds light on the vital role of industry as a driving force for economic growth and job creation, and echoes EPF’s commitments and ambitions as a Role Model Industry. With an annual turnover of about €25 billion and the creation of over 100,000 jobs directly in Europe, our industry is an integral and innovative part of the EU’s bio and circular economies.

The Antwerp Declaration outlines 10 actionable measures, including a streamlining of legislation, and calls for initiatives to position Europe as a global leader in boosting demand for net zero, low carbon and circular products, fostering raw material self-sufficiency, and making the innovation framework smarter.

Signatories represent a broad spectrum of industries from sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paper, steel, mining, aluminium, glass, zinc, metals, textiles, ceramics, biotech and now wood too. The Declaration was presented to European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and to Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo at the European Industry Summit held in Antwerp on 20 February.

As EPF Chairman Martin Brettenthaler stresses: ‘Embracing the Antwerp Declaration, we advocate for placing the European Industrial Deal at the forefront of Europe’s agenda, aligning with EPF’s objectives and strategic directions. By prioritising reindustrialisation, especially with natural, innovative sustainable products such as wood-based panels, we can play a vital role in delivering the European Green Deal’.

For further information, please contact EPF Administration and Communications Officer:

Mrs Isabelle Henin

info@europanels.org

On 16 November, EPF Chairman Martin Brettenthaler was delighted to meet with President Emmanuel Macron during his State visit in Switzerland. Together with five other Swiss CEOs of companies, crucial discussions took place for the business community. This was an excellent opportunity to represent both SWISS KRONO Group and EPF, shedding light on core advocacy messages from the wood-based panel industry.

 Interview by EPF Chairman on Radio Télévision Suisse