14th European Wood-based Panel Symposium 2026: Opportunities and potential for the wood-based materials industry
On October 14, 2026, the 14th European Wood-Based Materials Symposium began in Hamburg. Around 360 participants from Germany and abroad gathered from October 14 to 16, 2026, in order to discuss current developments, opportunities, and challenges within the wood-based materials industry. Primary topics included artificial intelligence, recycling and the circular economy, innovative materials, the utilization of wood-based materials in the construction sector, economic conditions and the impacts of climate change.
The Fraunhofer WKI and the European Panel Federation (EPF) organized the European Wood-based Panel Symposium for the 14th time in cooperation with the International Association for Technical Issues Related to Wood (iVTH). As the world’s largest event of its kind, the Symposium united manufacturers, suppliers, and users and provided an international forum for knowledge transfer, professional exchange and networking.
The event commenced on October 14 with a welcome evening at the Grand Elysée Hotel in Hamburg. Harald Schwab, event organizer and department head at the Fraunhofer WKI, greeted the international guests jointly with Kris Wijnendaele, Technical Director of the EPF.
“The wood-based materials industry is facing major changes but, simultaneously, enormous opportunities are opening up. With our symposium, we aim to bring together the key topics of the future and, above all, to promote exchange between researchers, manufacturers, suppliers and users. The fact that around 360 experts from Germany and abroad have travelled to Hamburg demonstrates just how important this personal and professional exchange is for the industry,” said Harald Schwab, event organizer and department head at the Fraunhofer WKI.
Focus on future topics in the wood-based materials industry
On October 15, the technical program began with a total of 21 presentations. In addition to topics such as material development, recycling, and the use of wood-based materials in the construction sector, the focus was increasingly directed toward new technological, economic and climate-related challenges. These included the implementation of artificial intelligence in production and development, as well as the economic conditions governing the industry and the impacts of climate change. Insights into these topics were provided by speakers such as Thomas Wybierek from Nord/LB and Dirk Notz from the University of Hamburg.
The Fraunhofer WKI participated in the program with three technical presentations. In his overview presentation entitled “Wood-based materials - A driver of innovation and the circular economy,” Institute Director Raoul Klingner explored the potential of digital technologies for the industry. Digitalization, smart sensor systems and artificial intelligence enabled the continuous optimization of production processes, more efficient utilization of resources, and a reduction in rejects and emissions. The presentation demonstrated how smart production technologies could pave the way toward a wood-based materials industry that was more sustainable, flexible, and recycling-oriented.
Also on October 15: In Session II, Bettina Meyer presented the topic “REACH Regulation: Formaldehyde. Compliance with REACH requirements, understanding ECHA, avoiding risks.” On the final day, Filip Majstorovic reported on current research activities relating to “Mineral-bonded panels on the basis of wood and natural fibers.”
Communication as stimulus for the industry
In addition to the technical presentations, personal networking played a pivotal role. During breaks and at two evening events, the around 360 participants had the opportunity to strengthen existing connections, build new networks and discuss current industry issues. Hywax GmbH and further industrial companies hosted the evening events.
Harald Schwab therefore placed particular emphasis on personal interaction in addition to the technical program: “Technically sound presentations and renowned speakers provide valuable insights and new food for thought. It is, however, equally important for us to bring people together in conversation. This exchange results in new ideas, collaborations, and important impulses for knowledge transfer within the industry.”
Press Release Fraunhofer WKI /
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