GERMANY –  During the recent Interzum trade fair, the European Panel Federation (EPF) shared preliminary figures for 2024 and its outlook for 2025, highlighting a modest production increase of 1.9% compared to the previous year.

The announcement was made during a press conference attended by around 30 trade journalists, members, and industry guests.

EPF Managing Directors Matti Rantanen and Clive Pinnington, along with Technical Director Kris Wijnendaele, addressed the media to outline the current state of the European wood-based panels industry, which, while showing signs of recovery, remains below pre-crisis levels. Despite continued declines in both the construction and furniture sectors in 2024, the panel industry was able to gain market share by substituting other materials, showcasing its adaptability and resilience.

However, challenges persist. Energy prices, though lower than their 2022 peak, remain high, and low consumer confidence continues to slow the recovery of key downstream sectors. The savings rate across Europe remains historically high, further impacting consumption and investment.

Looking ahead to 2025, the EPF expects continued difficulties but maintains a positive long-term outlook, bolstered by new capacity investments and increasing market relevance.

As part of the event, the EPF presented a new strategic paper on wood availability, based on studies by AFRY Management Consulting and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). The studies project a sharp increase in raw material demand by 2040, with potential supply shortages due to harvesting limitations.

The report calls for a reorientation in resource management and presents three key recommendations:

1. Prioritize wood use for high-value products
2. Reinforce the cascade principle
3. Promote the use of non-wood biomass as alternative raw material

The EPF also unveiled its updated strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond, emphasizing sustainable raw material sourcing and fair, balanced regulation. The final consolidated results for 2024 and further updates on policy advocacy will be presented during the EPF Annual General Meeting on 26 June in Berlin.