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.
