In the framework of this opinion a hearing (Opportunities and challenges for a more competitive European woodworking and furniture sector) was organized in Praha, Czech Republic, on 9 June 2011.
In order to maximise the benefits offered by wood products in the carbon balance and to enhance the competitiveness of the European woodworking industry and its capacity to drive innovation, the European Economic and Social Committee has drawn up the following recommendations...
The European packaging sector comprises five main sub-sectors. "Paper and board" (including paper bags and cartons) is the largest consumer packaging category with a~34% share of the total packaging market. "Rigid plastics" (tubs, pots and jars etc.) is the second-largest packaging category with a ~27% share and is one of the faster‑growing categories, forecast to grow above real GDP (~4% per year) until 2015.
Wood as a building material has been rediscovered by the building industry. It offers amazing possibilities for a sustainable growth and local employment in Europe. Advantages for human health and wood cultures are put forward while external demand from third countries is putting the European industry at risk.
Inaugural speech by President Luc JAHIER at the Seminar organised in Helsinki on Tuesday 7 July 2015.