The European wood-based panels industry proved “exceptionally dynamic” during 2004, with record output in particleboard, MDF and OSB, the European Panel Federation (EPF) has concluded.
The EPF, which met in Brussels for its general assembly on March 10, said the particleboard industry confirmed its recovery with a 4.6% production growth to 34 million m3, beating the 2000 record by 1 million m3.
The top five particleboard producing nations (Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK) accounted for nearly 83% of the total additional output and showed growth rates of 3%-10%.
MDF production grew by 5.7% to 11.9 million m3, with consumption up 10% to 11.4 million m3. OSB output rose 14% to nearly 2.8 million m3 and consumption was up 15% to 2.4 million m3.
However, the EPF warned that raw material costs, including glue and wood supply, continue to represent a major concern for the industry.
