Wood-based panels industry hoping for further improvements
During the recent EPF General Assembly, held on 21 March in Brussels, the European wood-based panels manufacturers reported that MDF passed the 10-million m³ threshold for production by far. The corresponding buoyant European demand for MDF was also reflected by the considerable decrease in overall stocks throughout the year 2002. The main driver for growth in MDF consumption continues to be the laminate flooring industry. The highest growth rates were noted for OSB, which continued to grow massively, recording 31% growth as production mounted to 2.1 million m³. However, recently rising stocks indicated problems on the supply and demand balance. Particleboard production was affected by a number of mills that closed during 2002. Overall, the wood-based panels producers are hoping for a continued improvement of the market conditions in order to work further towards reaching full capacity and equilibrium between supply and demand. The main worry of the sector is, however, the rising competition with the energy sector for the raw material wood.
