4 | Contents


Contents JUNE / JULY2025


NEWS


06 — EPF stats reveal slight increase in WBP output in 2024 07 — EC imposes provisional duties on Chinese hardwood plywood imports 08 — Unilin receives European patent for Osiris woodfibre recycling system 09 — Irish board producer jointly launches major new construction report 10 — Steico sees stabilisation of revenues in 2024


EPF INTERVIEW 12 — WBPI interviews Matti Rantanen, who has taken over as managing director of the European Panel Federation


FOCUS ON MDF: PART ONE


16 — 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


LIGNA REVIEW 30 — The world’s largest woodworking exhibition – LIGNA – celebrated its 50th anniversary in Hannover this year. WBPI was there


SURFACING 36 — Interzum showcased latest surface designs and trends to visitors at the exhibition in Cologne


FOCUS ON ENERGY SYSTEMS 38 — Turboden’s ORC modules are providing energy efficiency in wood-based panel production 40 — INTEC Engineering shares its insights into energy market dynamics


PANEL PERSPECTIVES 42 — Wemhöner Surface Technologies celebrates its centenary 44 — Dieffenbacher outlines its plans for growth 45 — Hexion’s Smartech business focuses on AI 46 — EC imposes duties on Chinese hardwood plywood 48 — A look at IPCO’s new ProRelease belt cleaning system


Cover: Biele 42 In this issue:


Focus on MDF: Part 1 LIGNA 2025 Review


Focus on Energy Systems June/July 2025 30 16


12


Wood Based Panels International magazine


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June/July 2025 | www.wbpionline.com


The WBPI Group


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