Brussels, 26 June 2023
On 21-23 June, the European Wood-based Panels Federation held its Annual General Meeting in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. EPF Iberian association ANFTA hosted the gatherings in majestic settings, combining both traditional and modern perspectives.
In association with UNEmadera and with the generous sponsorship of Dieffenbacher, Siempelkamp, BASF, Govi, AFRY, Huntsman and Berndorf Band, EPF proudly welcomed about 200 professionals and high-level guests from across Europe and beyond.
Final consolidated 2022 results
2022 production fell by 7.8 % compared to 2021 and final numbers come close to the pre-crisis levels of 2019. 2022 was a year characterised by a relatively strong first half, followed by a weaker second half, caused by softening user demand and falling consumer confidence, affecting construction, furniture, packaging and other markets.
The outlook 2023 remains challenging, but with healthy long-term prospects for the natural, sustainable, climate positive WBP industry.
Highlights from EPF’s 5 Strategic Directions
EPF was delighted to share 5 current advocacy highlights from its 5 SDs:
- Heightened visibility of wood in New European Bauhaus (NEB)
- Cascade use to be included in legislation for the first time (REDIII)
- Increased political support for use of wood to rise from 45 % to > than 60 %
- Successful outcome to projects ‘New Standard’ and ‘E1 Compulsory’ regulation
- High level access coming from the Coalition for Circular Choices (4 million jobs in Europe)
Re-election
EPF’s General Assembly unanimously re-elected Mr Martin Brettenthaler, CEO of SWISS KRONO GROUP, for another 2-year term as Chairman.
‘A vital EPF is now needed more than ever: On the one hand, wood-based panels offer key solutions to the global fight against climate change – the most important societal and economic challenge of our time. On the other hand, our industry is under threat: Our raw material is contested by other, often subsidised user groups, regulation and red-tape on all levels is steadily increasing and as an energy-intensive industry with global competition we are especially exposed to the unrealistic energy policies in several European countries.’
The General Assembly also nominated two additional Members to the Managing Board:
Mr Baptiste de Sutter (Linex Panneaux, France)
Mr Jarosław Michniuk (Paged, Poland)
The next EPF AGM will take place on 19-21 June 2024 in Riga, Latvia, hosted by Latvijas Finieris.
For further information, please contact EPF Administration and Communications Officer:
Mrs Isabelle Henin
info@europanels.org
+32 2 556 25 89
