Collaboration key to compliance: European wood packaging industry unites at FEFPEB Congress

The European Federation of Wooden Pallet and Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) has underscored the importance of collaboration between wood-based industries and related organisations to support its members in meeting evolving regulatory requirements.

This message was central to discussions at the 72nd annual FEFPEB Congress, held in Vienna on 23–24 October 2025, which brought together representatives from across Europe’s wooden pallet and packaging sector.

The event was opened by FEFPEB President Rob van Hoesel, alongside Dieter Lechner of the Association of Austrian Wood Industries (Fachverband der Holzindustrie Österreichs) and FEFPEB Secretary General Fons Ceelaert.

Presentations and discussions focused on the growing sustainability compliance obligations facing the industry, including developments in major legislation such as the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the EU Circular Economy Act.

Speakers at the two-day event included:

• DI Gerhard Pichler, Managing Director, PEFC Austria, who spoke about sustainable forest management in Austria and the country’s PEFC certification system.

• Andy Huvaere, Operations Manager, Valipac (Belgium), who addressed the challenges and implications of EPR regulations for the industry.

• Professor Manfred Tacker, University of Applied Sciences Vienna, who examined the potential impact of the proposed PPWR on pallet and packaging producers.

• Claudiu-Nicolae Sonda, CEI-Bois, who discussed current advocacy topics and the latest developments related to the EUDR.

FEFPEB Secretary General, Fons Ceelaert, also updated attendees on the organisation’s recent work and ongoing priorities: “Cooperation with other wood-based industries and related institutions is vital to FEFPEB’s work. Working closely together allows us to share our expertise and experience, and to set common goals in tackling the challenges of regulatory compliance. Our Vienna congress was the perfect example of these collaborative efforts.”

The meeting concluded with an announcement about the 73rd FEFPEB Congress, to be held in Sweden in autumn 2026, presented by Edward Sandin of Swedish Wood. The event closed with remarks from President Rob van Hoesel.

The two-day congress was hosted by the Federation of Austrian Wood Industries (Fachverband der Holzindustrie Österreichs). It began with a networking dinner at Vienna’s Zum Martin Sepp restaurant and was supported by Kara/BES Bolmann, Euroblock, Acadon, Storti, and Baltic Block Ltd.

An overview and presentations from the congress will be published on www.fefpeb.eu.