Headlines
LIGNA 2025: Circular Transformation in Wood Processing
GERMANY - A new format debuts at LIGNA’s anniversary edition in 2025: LIGNA.Circular. From May 26 to 30, 2025, Hall 12 at the Hannover Fairground in Germany will spotlight a pressing topic for the woodworking industry: circular transformation in wood processing. Under...
Novopan Takes First Place for Industrialized Goods Exporting
ECUADOR - Due to its pioneering work in the export industry, Novopan was awarded first place in the "Large Exporting Company of Industrialized Goods" category at PremioeXpor 2024, organized by the Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (Fedexpor). Ignacio Bustamante, CEO...
SCM Inaugurates New Subsidiary in Slovenia
SLOVENIA - SCM has inaugurated its new subsidiary, SCM Adria, in Slovenia, aimed at providing specialized sales and service support to woodworking businesses in Slovenia and Serbia. The opening ceremony on September 26 featured local dignitaries, highlighting the...
Top Ecuadorian companies’ sales and profits fall in 2023
ECUADOR - The main companies in Ecuador´s wood and furniture sector experienced a decline in sales and profits in 2023 compared to the previous year. Total sales among the main companies in this sector amounted to USD 410.2 million, a decrease of 3.4% from USD 424.8...
FSC Appoints Dr. Subhra Bhattacharjee as New Director General
GERMANY - The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) International Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Subhra Bhattacharjee as the new Director General, effective October 1, 2024. With over 20 years of experience in public policy, climate change, and sustainable...
Over 2,000 Visitors Experience Latest Trends at Homag Treff 2024
GERMANY - Under the motto "Where sawdust flies and inspiration lands," Homag Treff 2024 attracted over 2,000 visitors from more than 30 countries. After a six-year hiatus, the renowned in-house exhibition took place simultaneously at two southern German...
European Commission Proposes One-Year Delay on Deforestation Regulation
BELGIUM - The European Commission announced a proposed one-year delay for a law banning imports linked to deforestation (EUDR), responding to widespread concerns from industries and governments worldwide. While the law is seen as a crucial measure in the fight against...
Refopanel Unveils New Plywood Plant in Colombia
COLOMBIA - Refopanel has announced the opening of its new plywood manufacturing plant in Zambrano, Bolívar. The inauguration event took on September 27, 2024. As part of the Refocosta group, this new production facility will have an annual capacity of 27,500 cubic...
Arauco Invests USD 4.6 Billion in New Pulp Mill in Brazil
CHILE - With an investment of about USD 4.6 billion, Arauco's new pulp mill in Brazil will have an annual capacity of 3.5 million tons. Arauco has selected Finnish company Valmet as its technology partner. As a leader in pulp and bioenergy, Arauco is advancing the...
Strong Growth in Colombian Decor Paper imports
COLOMBIA - Colombia's imports of decor paper for wooden panels have seen a strong increase in the first half of 2024 (6M-2024), totaling USD 11,056,148, a 42.1% rise compared to USD 7,781,687 during the same period in 2023. Brazil remains the largest supplier country,...
Ingka Group Expands in China with New Ikea Store in Shanghai
CHINA - Ingka Group, the largest Ikea retailer, has opened a new Ikea store and Livat meeting place in Shanghai's Changning District, enhancing its presence in China. This supports the company’s strategy to merge digital and physical shopping experiences. The Ikea...
Biesse Reaches 10,000 Machines Exported From India
ITALY - Biesse, a global leader in woodworking machinery, has achieved a remarkable milestone by exporting 10,000 machines manufactured in India to over 75 countries across six continents. This accomplishment underscores the company's dedication to the "Make in...
Current
FSC and Aglomerados Cotopaxi Highlight Ecuador’s Leadership in Sustainable Forest Management
ECUADOR - Aglomerados Cotopaxi, one of Ecuador's leading forest products companies , recently hosted a significant discussion in partnership with FSC Ecuador to highlight the country’s pivotal role in sustainable forest management. Ecuador’s extensive forest coverage,...
Greenply-Samet Joint Venture Begins Furniture Hardware Production
INDIA - Greenply Industries and Samet have launched their joint venture, Greenply-Samet, marking a significant milestone in the Indian furniture hardware market. Officially named Greenply Samet Private Limited, this new venture began operations on October 26, 2023,...
Sharp Decline in Chile’s Particleboard Exports in 6M-2024
CHILE - From January to June 2024 (6M-2024), Chile's exports of particleboard (PB / MDP) faced a significant downturn, totaling USD 44.5 million. This represents an 18.5% decrease compared to the same period in 2023, when exports amounted to USD 54.6 million. A closer...
Ecuador Sees 5.4% Drop in Particleboard Exports in 6M-2024
ECUADOR - Ecuador's exports of particleboard / MDP recorded a decrease in the first half of 2024 (6M-2024). The total value of particleboard exports in 6M-2024 fell to USD 99.4 million, representing a 5.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2023 (6M-2023: USD...
EU’s New Environmental Standards Are Shaping the Wood Industry
BELGIUM - The EU's new sustainability regulations are significantly affecting industries both within and beyond its borders. The wood industry, in particular, is facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices in wood production, processing, and sales. While...
IWF 2024 Lived Up To Expactations
USA - The International Woodworking Fair (IWF), which concluded earlier this month, attracted a global audience of professionals from various segments of the woodworking industry. Held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from August 6 to 9, the event was a...
Significant Growth in Panama’s Particleboard Imports in First Half 2024
PANAMA - In the first six months of 2024, Panama's particleboard/MDP imports increased by 48.3% compared to the same period in 2023, totaling USD 7,122,364. The leading supplier countries were Ecuador, with an 18.3% increase (USD 2,263,045 ), compared to the same...