16 | Focus on MDF Part 1: Europe & North America


MDF EXPANSION SLOWS


In this the first part of our annual survey of the global MDF producing industry, independent consultant Geoff Rhodes looks at the MDF mills and their capacities in Europe and North America and at the prospects for the industry generally. Significant


investment in MDF capacity has slowed substantially as short-term difficulties are a reality Below: The Homanit new thin HDF production facility in Lithuania


I


n 2024, European MDF production and sales were significantly down on the highs seen back in 2021.


The drops of 2022 and seen in 2023 were generally arrested in 2024 but still not back to pre-Covid-19 levels. MDF demand in general in Europe has suffered more than PB throughout this period, indicating potentially a particular systemic problem for MDF. Time will tell. Also to note, laminate flooring demand based on thin HDF is currently trending down in some markets, hit by tough competition from solid polymer core plastic floors.


Continued on page 18 WBPI | June/July 2025 | www.wbpionline.com


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