The European woodworking industry has welcomed the European Commission's newly launched Competitiveness Compass, which aims to strengthen economic growth, global leadership, and sustainability within the EU. The industry views this initiative as a critical step toward fostering a competitive, bio-based economy and urges the Commission to prioritize measures that support the wood sector's growth and innovation.
With 160,000 companies employing nearly one million people, the European woodworking sector plays a key role in maintaining employment within Europe while contributing to a sustainable future. However, industry leaders stress the need for regulatory simplification, investment in skills development, and a secure supply of raw materials to ensure the sector remains competitive.
One of the primary concerns is the administrative burden facing businesses, particularly SMEs, which hampers efficiency and innovation. By reducing red tape and removing barriers within the single market, the sector can expand its role in developing the bioeconomy, aligning with the EU's climate and sustainable housing objectives. Additionally, addressing labour shortages through vocational training and upskilling programs is essential in building a skilled workforce that can support the industry's evolving needs.
Wood at the heart of the green transition
As a renewable and climate-friendly resource, wood is pivotal in Europe's shift toward a circular economy. The industry calls on EU policy-makers to prioritise wood-based solutions in construction, packaging, and everyday products, replacing non-renewable materials with sustainable alternatives. The responsible management of Europe's 160 million hectares of forests, combined with increased recovery and recycling of wood, can enhance material availability while reducing waste.
Wood's potential to mitigate the housing crisis is another key factor, with industrial off-site wood construction offering a sustainable solution to producing modular homes efficiently while cutting construction waste. The sector also advocates for new and updated standards to facilitate reuse, recycling, and circularity, ensuring wood remains at the core of the EU's bioeconomy strategy.
A call for collaborative action
CEI-Bois, the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries, urges policy-makers, businesses, and stakeholders to work together in:
To support business growth and innovation, reducing regulatory barriers is essential in fostering a more dynamic and competitive market. At the same time, investing in workforce development through lifelong learning and sector-specific career pathways will ensure a skilled and adaptable labour force. A reliable raw material supply must be secured while expanding secondary materials markets to enhance resource efficiency. Additionally, improving urban waste sorting and collection can significantly strengthen wood recovery and recycling efforts. Prioritizing the sustainable use of wood in construction, packaging, and furniture will further advance the transition to a circular and bio-based economy.
'Woodworking is not just an industry—it is a driver of Europe's green transformation,' said Sampsa Auvinen, CEI-Bois President. 'To unlock its full potential, we need policies that prioritize innovation, investment, and a reliable supply of sustainable wood resources.'
As the EU charts its path toward economic resilience and sustainability, the woodworking industry stands ready to contribute solutions that align with environmental and economic goals. By placing wood at the centre of the bioeconomy, the EU can drive a sustainable transition while securing jobs, fostering innovation, and ensuring long-term resource efficiency.
About CEI-Bois
The European Confederation of Woodworking Industries represents 22 European and National organizations across 16 countries, advocating for an industry comprising 160,000 companies generating €194 billion in annual turnover and employing 930,000 workers in the EU.
More information:
CEI-Bois
[email protected]
www.cei-bois.org