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Ecuador’s Particleboard Exports Grow 15.6% in September
ECUADOR - In September 2024, Ecuador’s particleboard exports reached USD 18.2 million FOB, marking a 15.6% increase from the previous year. The primary destination countries for Ecuadorian exports were Colombia, Peru, and Panama. Exports to Colombia grew by 24.8% to...
Ligna 2025 More Than 105,000 sqm Already Booked
GERMANY - In its 50th anniversary year, Ligna reflects on its origins, which began in 1975 when it branched off from Hannover Messe during the oil crisis to become an independent trade fair. Now, half a century later, the woodworking and wood processing industry is...
Sascha Groß, Managing Director of Hettich, to Leave at Year-End
GERMANY – Sascha Groß , Managing Director of Hettich Holding, has decided to leave the company at the end of the year. During his 20 years at Hettich, Groß has played a key role in the expansion of international production sites and has made significant contributions...
Robot Adoption in Factories Accelerates Worldwide
GERMANY - Robot adoption in factories worldwide continues to accelerate. In 2023, the global average robot density reached a record 162 robots per 10,000 employees—more than double the 74 units recorded seven years ago, according to the World Robotics 2024 report by...
Surteco Rejects Banasino Investments Mandatory Offer
GERMANY – On November 19, 2024, the Management Board and Supervisory Board of Surteco Group SE published a joint statement regarding the mandatory offer from Banasino Investments S.à r.l., in compliance with Section 27 of the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover...
Ikea accelerates energy transformation with EUR 1.5 billion investment
NETHERLANDS - Ingka Group, Ikea’s largest retailer, is investing EUR 1.5 billion to accelerate its shift away from fossil fuels, aiming to reduce its climate footprint by 85% by 2030 (from a 2016 baseline). The funds will retrofit existing stores with renewable...
NYRIA is Impress Decor’s Color of the Year 2025
BRAZIL - Impress Decor has revealed its Color of the Year for 2025: Nyria. Chosen after extensive research into global trends and the emotions shaping our daily lives, Nyria represents the search for stability and calm amid today’s uncertainty. In a time of global...
European Parliament Vote Confirms Delay of EUDR Implementation
BELGIUM - The European Parliament has voted to delay the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by one year. Originally set to take effect on December 30, 2024, the law will now apply from December 30, 2025, for large companies, and June 30, 2026, for small businesses....
Hendrik Rawe Appointed New Department Head at Deutsche Messe
GERMANY - As of November 1, 2024, Hendrik Rawe (34) has assumed the position of head of the “LIGNA, INTERSCHUTZ, parts2clean, and SurfaceTechnology GERMANY” department at Deutsche Messe. He will report to Arno Reich, Senior Vice President of the “Trade Fair &...
Dieffenbacher Receives Order for OSB plant in Chile
CHILE - Chilean company Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. (Arauco), the world’s second-largest wood panel manufacturer, has commissioned Dieffenbacher to supply an OSB plant to replace an existing MDF line at its Trupan site in Cholguán, Bío-Bío region. The plant is...
Novopan Reinforces Sustainability with Recycling Lab
ECUADOR - Novopan, a leader in the wood based panels industry, continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability through active participation in the Recycling Lab, Latin America's first thematic park focused on promoting the circular economy and responsible...
Home Depot Reports 6.6% Sales Growth in 3Q-2024
USA The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, reported 3Q-2024 (3Q-2024) sales of USD 40.2 billion, a 6.6% increase from USD 37.71 billion in 3Q-2023. However, comparable-store sales declined 1.8%, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of...
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Record-Breaking Attendance at the 13th European Wood-Based Panel Symposium
GERMANY - The 13th European Wood-Based Panel Symposium, held from October 9-11 in Hamburg, welcomed a record number of delegates from over 30 countries, according to the European Panel Federation (EPF). This biennial event gathered experts, researchers, and industry...
Latin America’s Wooden Furniture Imports Up by 34% in 6M-2024
COLOMBIA - In the first half of 2024, wooden furniture imports in Latin America reached a total of USD 368.49 million, marking a significant growth of 34% compared to USD 274.97 million in the same period of 2023. Mexico led the region with the highest import value at...
More Than 93% of interzum 2025 is Booked
GERMANY - Interzum 2025 is already over 93% booked, emphasizing its status as the premier trade fair for furniture production and interior design. Scheduled to take place from May 20-23 in Cologne, this year’s event is witnessing robust international demand, with...
EU Council Delays Deforestation Regulation by One Year
BELGIUM - The European Council has reached a consensus to amend the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR), delaying its implementation by 12 months. This extension allows third countries, member states, operators, and traders to adequately prepare for due diligence...
Strong Recovery in Argentinian Decor Paper Imports
ARGENTINA - Argentina’s imports of wooden panel decor paper from January to July 2024 totaled USD 15.3 million, showing notable growth compared to USD 3.2 million in the same period of 2022. Although this represents a 16.4% decrease from USD 18.3 million in 2023, the...
Brazilian Cultivated Tree Sector Surpasses 10 Million Hectares
BRAZIL - According to the latest Ibá (Brazilian Tree Industry) Annual Report, the cultivated tree sector in Brazil has surpassed 10 million hectares for the first time. These trees produce renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable bioproducts for over 2 billion people...
Koelnmesse Cancels imm cologne 2025 Trade Show
GERMANY - imm cologne 2025 programed for January has been canceled. Koelnmesse, in collaboration with the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM) and the Furniture and Kitchens Trade Association (BVDM), made this decision due to significant economic...
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