Laminate Association Skeptical of Threat

Bielefeld, Germany, May 13, 2011 -- The Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring says it is skeptical that recent developments in wood fiber technology pose a threat to the laminate flooring industry, according to the Timber Trades Journal.

The new technology comprises a powdered mixture containing sawdust, binding agents and other additives, applied to a core and printed.

Manufacturers of the product claim that this will completely replace laminate flooring within 10 years, but the EPLF says this is unrealistic.

“Wood fiber technology may well be another of these innovations that can be used outside the flooring industry – for wall coverings or furniture fronts, for instance – but we believe it’s unrealistic to claim that laminate flooring will be pushed out of the market,” said EPLF president Ludger Schindler.

EPLF’s technical experts say they believe wood fiber technology may create a new product group in its own right but that, due to its characteristics, it could not be considered its equivalent, or comply with laminate flooring standards.

Valinge is ramping up production of its powder technology.