Laminate flooring is the main driver for growth in European MDF production which passed the 10 million m3 mark in 2002.
The news was announced at the European Panel Federation (EPF) general assembly held in Brussels in March.
Representatives of wood based panels manufacturers heard that buoyant European demand for MDF was reflected by a considerable decrease in stocks throughout 2002.
Highest growth rates were recorded by OSB which saw a massive 31% increase 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 the number of mills that closed during 2002.
Overall, wood based panels producers are hoping for a continued improvement of market conditions in order to work towards reaching full capacity and a balance between supply and demand.
The sector’s main worry is rising competition with the energy sector for raw material. EPF promotes the use of wood as a raw material for the panels industry and says the energy industry should only use wood at the end of its life cycle.
