Focus on North America: Composite Panel Association | 25
Capacity levels from 2008 are included to represent the industry’s historical high point. For 2025, total industry capacity is projected at 13,954,000 million m3
(¾in basis), with
particleboard accounting for 57% of the market, followed by MDF with 39% and a smaller 4% portion attributed to hardboard siding and trim. This figure does not include OSB. Generally speaking, there are ongoing capital investments and modernisation projects in existing plants and new MDF facilities are planned in Oregon and South Carolina for late 2026 through 2028. The graphs below reflect the North American breakdown of both the particleboard and MDF industries.
WBPI: HOW IS CPA SHOWCASING THE VARIOUS APPLICATIONS OF MEMBER PRODUCTS IN THE MARKETPLACE? CPA: North American composite wood panels and decorative surfaces provide sustainable solutions across many sectors, including residential, commercial, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and education, offering materials made from recycled content with design flexibility and durability. Industry products support green building certifications and help the design and construction community achieve environmental and performance goals. With nearly 65 years of industry leadership, CPA represents the top manufacturers and suppliers of composite panels and decorative surfaces. CPA, in partnership with the Woodworking
Network, showcases design trends in an annual publication called the Design Portfolio, the current edition of which may be viewed here: https://www.
compositepanel.org/resources/buyers-guide/
WBPI: WHAT ARE THE TOP PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES FOR CPA CURRENTLY? CPA: As a North American trade association, CPA’s primary objective is to advocate for public policies that align with those of the composite panel industry and to do so in a credible, effective way. Tariffs have been a leading issue in recent months. CPA represents all North American panel producers who benefit from the country- of-origin provisions of USMCA. The current trade landscape is complicated and changing constantly, proving to be a challenge to conduct trade advocacy. The tariffs outlined for kitchen cabinets/ vanities and upholstered furniture imports into the US will impact all CPA members, but particularly those that provide panels for cabinets and furniture products that are then manufactured in Canada and Mexico. The North American trade agreement, called the US, Mexico, Canada Agreement, will be up for review in 2026. The current trade/tariff dynamic may result in significant
Above: US and Canada composite panel industry shipments
changes to how North American trade is orchestrated. CPA will be watching closely and participating as this debate unfolds in the next year. Other key ongoing advocacy efforts
include: • Regulation under the Toxics Substances Control Act: Resins used to make the wood panels may contain formaldehyde, presently the subject of risk management rule development by EPA. EPA policy must consider the weight of scientific evidence and be tailored to discrete chemical uses.
• Regulation under the Clean Air Act: EPA is presently drafting amendments to the panel industry’s National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants. HAP emission controls already in place are very protective.
ABOUT CPA The Composite Panel Association (CPA) was formed in 1960 to bring together the North American composite panel industry. Today, CPA represents more than 90% of the North American active manufacturing capacity, including the leading manufacturers of MDF, particleboard, hardboard, and engineered wood siding and trim. Building upon that legacy, CPA now includes manufacturers of decorative surfaces and finished products, laminators, fabricators, distributors, and equipment suppliers. CPA offers extensive technical, regulatory, and standards information about the products. ●
Learn more at:
CompositePanel.org
Above: North American composite panel capacity trends
www.wbpionline.com | October/November 2025 | WBPI
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