In 2016, the total production of European wood-based panels increased by 1.8%, reaching a total of 55.6 million cubic metres. Particleboard production increased by 0.8% to 30.2 million cubic metres, reports the European Panel Federation.

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) also grew, recording an increase of 2% to a total of 12 million cubic metres. Oriented Strand Board (OSB), the third largest panel type by volume, rose strongly by 6.9% to 5.4 million cubic metres. Second only to OSB in terms of growth rate was Softboard, which increased by 4% to 4.6 million cubic metres.

Plywood production in Europe developed positively with a 2.5% increase to 2.9 million cubic metres. The only panel type that did not increase in production terms during 2016 was Hardboard which dropped 5.6% to 0.5 million cubic metres.

The European Panel Federation has members in 25 countries and represents the manufacturers of particleboard, MDF, OSB, hardboard, softboard and plywood.