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PRESS RELEASE: EPF AGM 2023 in Santiago de Compostela

26 June 2023 Posted by admin News

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:

  1. Heightened visibility of wood in New European Bauhaus (NEB)
  2. Cascade use to be included in legislation for the first time (REDIII)
  3. Increased political support for use of wood to rise from 45 % to > than 60 %
  4. Successful outcome to projects ‘New Standard’ and ‘E1 Compulsory’ regulation
  5. 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

EPF AGM – 21-23 June 2023 – Santiago de Compostela

23 June 2023 Posted by admin News

EPF was thrilled to hold its Annual General meeting in Santiago de Compostela.

On 21-23 June, we welcomed about 200 professionals and high-level guests from across Europe and beyond.

The AGM, hosted by EPF Iberian member ANFTA followed its traditional schedule:

🔷 21 June: Managing Board meeting
🔷 22 June: Member meetings and General Assembly, followed by a Gala Dinner
🔷 23 June: Open Part conference, with a focus on New European Bauhaus

Programme – Open Part of the EPF AGM 2023 – 23 June 

Biography information on the moderators and speakers of the two roundtables

EPF Open Part Presentation – Key results and Advocacy Highlights

Press Release, 26 June 2023 

Report Open Part AGM – New European Bauhaus: How wood-based panels can bring beauty, sustainability and inclusivity to the built and living environment

We were delighted to exchange with many of you in Spain for this gathering of the European wood-based panels industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPF Fire & Explosion Safety Task Force and factory visit of FINSA

25 May 2023 Posted by admin Events Past Events

EPF held its last meeting of the Fire & Explosion Safety Task Force on 25 May, in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

This meeting, hosted by FINSA gathered around 30 experts from EPF member companies to exchange experiences and discuss best practices on preventive and protective measures as well as training requirements in WBP manufacturing.

Case studies and follow-up actions were discussed before a field visit to FINSA’s headquarters and factory. The next Task Force meeting will be held in Germany on the kind invitation of PFLEIDERER.

More details in our Press Release 

PRESS RELEASE: Long-term prospects for wood-based panels remain healthy

12 May 2023 Posted by admin Press

Brussels, Friday 12 May 2023

On 9 May, the opening day of the Interzum Trade Fair in Cologne, EPF held a press conference to present the European wood-based panels industry’s provisional 2022 results (indicative only) as well as an outlook for 2023.

 

Managing Director Mr Clive Pinnington and Technical Director Mr Kris Wijnendaele addressed around 30 trade journalists, members and guests.

Key figures and trends were released.

 

 

2022 production fell by more than 6% compared to 2021 and when final numbers are released in June is expected to finish at approximately the same level as the pre-crisis year of 2019. 2022 was a year characterised by a relatively strong first half, followed by a noticeably weaker second half, caused by softening user demand and falling consumer confidence.

 

Whilst 2023 remains challenging, long-term prospects for wood-based panels remain healthy, as evidenced by continuing announced capacity investments illustrated in the maps in our full presentation, which is available here.

This communication was followed by a presentation of the progress of the EPF’s 5 Strategic Directions and of 5 current advocacy highlights: (1) cascade in legislation (REDIII), (2) New European Bauhaus (NEB), (3) material use of wood, (4) regulation for chemicals, (5) the launch and follow-up actions and appointments of the Coalition for Circular Choices.

The final consolidated 2022 results and further advocacy updates will be presented at the next EPF Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 23 June in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The press conference was a good opportunity to remind our guests that NEB will be at the heart of the discussions during the Open Part of the AGM, with two roundtables dedicated to construction and furniture.

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

Mrs Isabelle Henin

info@europanels.org

+32 2 556 25 89

EPF Press Conference @ Interzum – 9 May 2023

9 May 2023 Posted by admin Events Past Events

On the opening day of the Interzum Trade Fair, EPF was delighted to hold a press conference for approximately 30 trade journalists, members and guests.

Managing Director Mr Clive Pinnington presented the European wood-based panels industry’s provisional indicative 2022 results as well as an outlook for 2023 and beyond. The headline comments were:

  • 2022 production fell by more than 6% compared to 2021, and is expected to finish at approximately the same level as the pre-crisis year of 2019;
  • The year was characterised by a relatively strong first half, followed by a noticeably weaker second half, caused by softening user demand and falling consumer confidence;
  • Whilst 2023 remains challenging, long-term prospects for wood-based panels remain healthy, as evidenced by continuing announced capacity investments

Technical Director Kris Wijnendaele then updated on EPF’s 5 Strategic Directions and presented 5 advocacy highlights being:

  • Cascade in legislation (REDIII);
  • New European Bauhaus;
  • Material use of wood;
  • Regulation for chemicals;
  • Coalition for Circular Choices.

The final consolidated 2022 results as well as further advocacy updates will be given to the press at the next EPF Annual General Meeting on 23 June in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Press Conference Presentation – 9 May 2023 

Should you wish to know more about any of the above, please contact info@europanels.org.

Focus on the New European Bauhaus @ EPF Annual General Meeting 2023 on 23 June

9 May 2023 Posted by admin Events

EPF is delighted to announce the programme of its AGM 2023 Open Part.

New European Bauhaus (NEB) will be the focus of this day, preceded by welcoming addresses and by the public release of the 2022 EU wood-based panel industry results and insights on EPF’s Advocacy Programme 2023.

The event will be held on Friday 23 June 2023 at the Fontán Building, Cidade da Cultura of Galicia, in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, hosted by ANFTA and including the platinum sponsorship of Dieffenbacher.

The meeting will be centred on two interactive sessions:

  • Roundtable 1: NEB in Buildings and Construction
  • Roundtable 2: NEB in everyday life, especially furniture and trends in housing

Programme – Open Part of the EPF AGM 2023 – 23 June 

Biography information on the moderators and speakers of the two roundtables

 

 

Coalition for Circular Choices: Follow-up meeting with officials from the European Commission’s Secretariat-General

12 April 2023 Posted by admin Events Past Events

EPF is delighted to have met Mrs Elisabeth Werner, Deputy Secretary-General of the European Commission’s Secretariat-General, responsible for Policy Coordination, and officials from the EC’s Secretariat-General this week, with partners of the Coalition for Circular Choices. This appointment held on 12 April followed the launch of the campaign of the cross-sectoral Coalition.

This was the opportunity, at a senior and influential political level in the European Commission, to deliver the executive summary of the Coalition’s strategic document for a competitive EU Bioeconomy and to be recognised as a role model sector and European global champion representing 4 million jobs and €520 billion turnover, aiming to make a positive climate contribution, equivalent of 30% of current EU fossil emissions.

 

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