Europe is aiming to pioneer the Circular Economy fostering higher resilience, competitive growth while lowering emissions and environmental impacts, underpinned by the Bioeconomy Strategy (published November 2025) and the upcoming Circular Economy Act (expected September 2026). Wood recycling for material use is a working circular model and a prime showcase for European industry. The EcoReFibre project has demonstrated that fibreboard recycling from wood waste is technologically and economically viable at the industrial level and is ready to boost the market.

Nearly 47 million tonnes of wood waste are generated in the European Union (2022). Yet only around 40% (15 million m³ solid wood equivalent) of EU wood waste is being recycled today, while about 60% is used for energy recovery. The focus must be on upscaling high-quality waste supply at volume and on creating circular business models and markets to enhance the wood panel industry’s leading role in Europe.

• Latest solutions and policy trends: The policy conference will showcase innovative developments and upcoming solutions to advance and scale wood and fibre recycling and reuse across the industry. It will present the latest insights into the EU policy landscape and emerging trends.
• Discussion forum on circular wood use: All key target groups will be represented and engaged in the debate, including European and national policy makers and authorities, industries along the whole value chain, and other important stakeholders from civil society.
• EU policy recommendations: In parallel workshop sessions, stakeholders will advocate their views and positions and help codesign actionable policy recommendations and research needs. These will be compiled in a report to the EC as direct input for the upcoming Circular Economy Act.

The Brussels policy conference is organised by EcoReFibre to disseminate the project results and support policy development in the wood, circular economy and biobased sectors. The goal is to facilitate future adoption, integration and mainstreaming of innovative circular solutions, positioning Europe’s forest-based sector right in the heart of the Circular Bioeconomy. The conference will bring together stakeholder from policy, industry and civil society, to collectively reflect on the implications and enhance the policy findings. Participation is free of charge and by invitation only.

Conference programme available and participation upon request, if you are interested to join, please contact us.
Contact: info@europanels.org  |  Phone: +32 2 556 25 89