The European HPL industry has been able to breathe a sigh of relief after it became clear that demand for HPL began to pick up again from the late summer of 2020 onwards. In common with other industries, the sector suffered a drastic collapse during the crisis months. Disruption to downstream supply chains was a particular reason for this sharp drop. Cross-border transport became difficult, and a further problem was that many buyers had suspended operations. Total sales of HPL, thin laminates and compact in 2020 were 259 million square metres. This represented a fall of around 6% for 2020 as a whole as compared to 2019 volumes.

But demand for HPL remained high. The kitchen and furniture industries were about to experience a boom. Consumers who were forced to stay at home wished to create an environment that was as pleasant as possible. Interest in HPL increased significantly once restrictions started to be eased in summer 2020. Secretary General Ralf Olsen emphasised: “The success achieved by the European HPL industry in the first half of 2021 proves that the design products it offers in so many different areas of application are both crisis-resistant and of high quality.”

The ICDLI’s market analysis provides further details for member companies. The 2020/2021 Annual Report is now available.