The 13th European Wood-Based Panel Symposium, held from 9-11 October in Hamburg, welcomed a record number of delegates from over 30 countries. It successfully gathered experts, researchers, and industry leaders from across the globe. The biennial event provided a platform for insightful presentations and discussions, with a high-level quality programme and speakers, as well as for networking opportunities within the wood-based panel industry.

This year’s Symposium focused on market trends, resources, Artificial Intelligence, recycling, resins and developments that are shaping the future of WBP. 375 Attendees from 30 countries across the globe, had the opportunity to hear from keynote speakers, participate in panel discussions, and explore the latest developments and innovations driving the industry's growth. In addition to expert presentations, the event featured an exhibition space, where companies showcased state-of-the-art technologies and cutting-edge solutions via interactive stands and posters.

Highlights included:

-- Market calls for a construction offensive, for products to meet “thin wallets, big dreams” and for the wood sector to speak as one industry in public;
-- New techniques for recycling MDF can drive Europe towards even more carbon storage as illustrated by the 20% annual contribution reported from panels in Japan;
-- Artificial Intelligence has arrived in process engineering including wood-based panels. It is not for tomorrow, it is for today, or rather it is already applied since yesterday;
-- Europe leads the wood-based panels world in innovation, as shown by resins, waxes, and additives evolving at pace and according to changing demands;
-- Sustainability is central to wood-based panels, but a lower regulatory burden and greater political support are needed for their societal contribution to be maximised.

About EPF – The European Panel Federation has members in 30 European countries and represents the manufacturers of particleboard, MDF, OSB, hardboard, softboard and plywood. The EU wood-based panels industry has an annual turnover of about 25 billion euro and creates over 100,000 jobs annually.

The full Report on the 13th EWBPS 2024 is available here.

Source: europanels.org