The veneer and wood panel market - Italy

The global market for veneer and wood panel production has been experiencing stable growth, with the Asia-Pacific region dominating with a 54.34% market share, led by a surge in demand from the construction and packaging sectors in emerging economies like China, India, and Japan. Europe holds a significant 24.12% of the total market, with Germany at the forefront. The industry is encountering a growing inclination towards environmentally sustainable materials, mirroring consumer and regulatory demands. Specifically, the wood panel market reached 1,000 million cubic meters in 2020 and is projected to see a +6% annual growth from 2021 to 2026. China stands as the largest wood panel producer with 43.6% of the global output, followed by the United States (9%) and Russia (4.3%). Key export players include China (14%) and Canada (8.3%). Italy displays a contrasting trend with a decrease in market size by 18% but shows a resurgence in  with a 32.9% increase in industry sales. The Italian market is primarily composed of small and medium-sized enterprises, heavily concentrated in the Northwest region.

The wood construction sector is a major driver behind the growth of veneer sheets and wood panels, leveraging ecological, practical, and economic advantages. Italy has emerged as the fourth-largest country in Europe for wood building implementation. The wood-furniture sector and the packaging industry also contribute to the rising demand, with the former being relatively stable and the latter having grown 46.5%. The price of wood panels is influenced by raw material costs, which has shown volatility, and energy costs. Particleboards lead European wood panel production, accounting for over 50% in the mix. Major players in the Italian market include international groups such as Egger and Swiss Krono Group as well as local manufacturers like Mauro Saviola Group Srl. Industry bodies like FederlegnoArredo play a pivotal role in representing the sector's interests domestically and in Europe.

Trends in the Italian Veneer and Wood Panel Market

The veneer and wood panel market in Italy has seen an intricate evolution over the past years, and several trends have emerged to define its current state. Demand has been fluctuating but is driven strongly by sectors such as construction, furniture, and packaging. In construction, the use of wood has expanded beyond merely roofing to encompass entire structures. This shift towards wood construction, fueled by ecological and economic benefits, has considerably spurred the demand for wood panels. The Italian construction sector, which has leaned towards timber for earthquake-resistant properties and energy efficiency, is one of the largest buyers of wood panels. Italy's rise as the fourth biggest wood-building market in Europe is a testament to this trend, with a turnover of around 1.4 billion euros as of 2020. Similarly, the wood-furniture sector, another significant demand driver, appears to remain stable with slight fluctuations over the years, maintaining annual productions which hovered just below the 5 billion euro mark. Government incentives, such as tax breaks for furniture purchases and renovations, have augmented consumer spending in this domain. Italy's robust standing as a leading furniture manufacturer – fourth globally – further entrenches the country's commitment to the industry. The wood packaging industry is also on an upward trajectory.

Notably, there has been a sharp increase of approximately 45-50 percent in turnovers spanning. This demonstrates the dynamic nature of the sector and its consistent need for wood panels and veneers. Market structure, while drastically affected by the economic recession, has shown signs of a steady recovery. The number of enterprises and employees within the sector, which faced steep declines, began stabilizing and showed promising growth. Regions rich in forests, like Lombardy and Veneto, lead in the number of woodworking enterprises. The production stages of wood panels are extensive, stressing the importance of raw materials such as wood chips and other wood products. The stages include cutting, drying, sorting, gluing, pressing, and finishing – each critical to producing the various wood panels that serve different market needs. Costs are heavily influenced by the price of raw materials and energy demands. Wood prices have seen significant volatility, with a remarkable drop of more than 35 percent within a year, affecting production costs and potentially the market pricing of veneer and wood panels. On the regulatory front, stringent CE marking requirements, fire reaction standards, and emission regulations are part of the compliance.

Profiling the Prominent Market Players in the Veneer and Wood Panel Industry

The veneer and wood panel manufacturing industry boasts several key players that have established themselves as leaders in the market through specialization, innovation, and comprehensive product ranges. These companies have often expanded beyond regional boundaries and have marked their presence globally, catering to varied requirements and advancing industry standards. Let us delve into the profiles of some noteworthy enterprises in this industry:

• Egger: A name synonymous with quality in the chipboard market, Egger has risen to international prominence. Their reputation is built on delivering a wide array of wood-based materials that find applications in furniture design, interior design, and flooring. Known for their commitment to sustainability and innovation, Egger stands tall as a beacon for other market competitors.
• Swiss Krono Group: A titan among wood panel specialists, Swiss Krono Group commands respect for its comprehensive product line-up that includes not only panels but also flooring solutions. Staying true to its Swiss roots, the company maintains a stringent focus on precision and quality in its offerings, serving a global network of customers.
• Mohawk Industries: As a specialist in flooring solutions, Mohawk Industries has achieved a formidable status in the market for its ability to integrate performance with aesthetics. Their product range spans carpets, ceramic tiles, laminate, wood, stone, and vinyl flooring connecting with a demographic ranging from residential to high-traffic commercial environments.
• Wilsonart: With a keen eye for decorative flair, Wilsonart specializes in the production of decorative panels that enrich spaces with both beauty and resilience. Their products often serve as a choice pick for designers and architects aiming to bring a sense of artistry to commercial and residential projects.
• Garnica Plywood: Known for its expertise in plywood, Garnica Plywood has carved a niche in the plywood segment of the market. Its products are tailored to meet the needs of various sectors with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and impeccable customer service.

Italian Torchbearers in the Market

• Mauro Saviola Group Srl: A distinguished Italian manufacturer, Mauro Saviola Group has a comprehensive product mix that includes a variety of wood panels that cater to the furniture industry and beyond. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has rendered them a respected name in both the local and international markets.
• Fantoni Spa: An Italian enterprise with a rich legacy, Fantoni Spa deals in a wide assortment of wood panels, office furniture, sound-absorbent panels, and beyond. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 05/05/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Development of the wood panel market (volume)
• Average output of wood-based panels
• Worldwide panel production
• Worldwide panel exports
• Turnover of the veneer and wood panel industry
• External trade in veneer and plywood sheets
• Destination of veneer sheet and plywood sheet exports
• Import origins of veneer sheets and plywood sheets
• Major changes in numbers in green building, compared with the previous year
• Production of wood carpentry and joinery for the building industry
• The largest exporters of furniture
• Annual production of wooden furniture and wood products for furniture
• Number of enterprises in the sector manufacture of veneer sheets and wood-based panels
• Employed in the manufacture of veneer sheets and wood-based panels sector
• Turnover of the wood packaging manufacturing sector
• Price of wood
• Producer price index of the veneer sheet and wood-based panel industry
• Breakdown of European production by type of wood panel
• Production volume of different types of wood panels