Italian wood panel production holds steady in early 2026 as Assopannelli re‑elects Paolo Fantoni to steer EU‑focused agenda
Executive summary: Assopannelli’s assembly re‑elected Paolo Fantoni as president and noted that wood panel production was stable during the first five months of 2026. Steady output indicates a balanced market for wood‑based panels, which supports predictable pricing for downstream construction and furniture sectors, while the leadership continuity preserves the group’s influence on EU regulatory discussions.
Who is involved: Assopannelli (Italian wood panel association), its president Paolo Fantoni, member panel manufacturers, and EU policymakers working on construction materials standards.
Likely next: The association will monitor forthcoming EU sustainability and safety rules, and member firms may adjust capacity plans if demand shifts later in the year.
Assopannelli’s annual assembly confirmed Paolo Fantoni as president and reported that wood panel output remained unchanged from January through May 2026. The stability suggests that supply and demand in the European construction and furniture markets are currently in balance, reducing pressure on prices. With Fantoni’s mandate continuing, the association will keep its focus on European dossiers, notably upcoming revisions to the Construction Products Regulation.
Timeline
- — Pannelli in legno, produzione stabile nei primi cinque mesi 2026 (Il Sole 24 Ore — Economia)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- Assopannelli to release its Q2 2026 production report by September 2026
- EU Commission to review Construction Products Regulation (CPR) amendments in Q4 2026
Sectors affected
- European wood panel manufacturers
- Construction sector
- Furniture industry
Regulatory implications
- EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) update expected 2026‑2027; may affect emission limits for wood‑based panels
Historical parallels
- 2021 EU wood panel production dip following pandemic‑related supply chain disruptions
Sources
- Pannelli in legno, produzione stabile nei primi cinque mesi 2026 — Il Sole 24 Ore — Economia