14 | Interview: New EPF MD
doesn’t add too many burdens. Creating a level playing field so everyone has to follow the same rules was important, he added. He said the recently imposed EC
provisional anti-dumping duties on Chinese hardwood plywood imports was a good step forward, with the EPF happy the Commission had taken the issue seriously to protect European plywood manufacturers. Chemicals regulation will also be a topic for ongoing lobbying. “The last Commission term was very challenging for our industry, with many things happening at the same time – it was such a flow of EU regulation.” Mr Rantanen sees a positive outlook in the
industry, with the sector hopefully moving beyond challenging economic times. “It’s quite a nice time to be starting here because I can try to build a positive narrative for the upcoming years.” Our interview finished by returning to those young political days he enjoyed in Finland and how it helped instil several core values for the future.
Above: Former EPF MD Clive Pinnington effectively led the EPF for a decade
three panel manufacturing members. “I will try and visit a member once a month,” he said. “What I have seen in their labs and testing pipelines are some amazing products, which will come to the market in the upcoming years.
“The main challenge is how to get the
architects to know those products and understand the benefits.
“These visits are a good opportunity to talk with the members about their industry worries and what we need to focus on in the future.”
He admits to being very impressed with the EPF set-up. “I have worked with a lot of associations. But the team here is quite unique, it is extremely knowledgeable. EPF technical director Kris Wijnendaele has 28 years’ experience in the industry, knows a lot of detail and all the people, which has made my start more comfortable.” The EPF has already updated its mission programme last November, with a clear path on where it wants to go. Mr Rantanen said his background in politics and consultancy will aid getting the industry’s core messages on the table at the Commission.
He applauded work done so far with getting the cascade use of wood topic heard
WBPI |
at the Commission. “What happens in Brussels and the EU
level when we talk about the bio economy is very positive for our industry. At first it was practically just the wood panel industry talking about the cascade principle, but now you hear it in every European Commission speech.”
The next step would be to initiate discussions with key MEPs and others to ensure messages are heard. “We cannot just trust that we have a good product and everyone knows it,” said Mr Rantanen. Wood availability will be a key topic to be grappled with, Mr Rantanen acknowledging it as a key concern among members. Tackling this from different directions, he added, would be important. Targets could be to help create an internal
market for wood recycling and some kind of standard, possibly attracting funding or seeking harmonisation for collection of wood waste for recycling. “There is a lot of wood and we’re not
sure how much currently can be reused, so we have to ensure there is infrastructure in place so it can be used.” Legislation is another big topic. Mr Rantanen highlighted the EUDR as having a big impact for the industry, but the EPF, with other organisations, is working to ensure it
June/July 2025 |
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“In the first four years at the city council I managed to show people that I do my homework on subjects and that I have a vision for the future. “It’s being able to convince people, despite the fact that the starting position is not always strong, and you are talking to people who have decades of experience. Some people who have been in politics for a long time have a high opinion of themselves, but I enjoyed the situation of being an underdog.”
Mr Rantanen will reprise that role as he walks the corridors of power in Brussels, working to elevate the wood-based panels industry’s priorities in front of key policy makers. Away from work, Mr Rantanen feels very much at home in Brussels with his Bulgarian wife (an EC staff member) and two young children. He enjoys outdoor activities such as
cycling, reading, and exploring new countries and cultures together with his family, and seeing good friends in the UK, Germany and Finland. “I feel comfortable that the association is a good size, represents a good product and has a good message. I see myself helping the EPF to take the next step.” ●
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