Development trends of chipboard production in Europe, Yugoslavia and Slovenia

Report gives a survey of production volume of chipboard in selected groups of European countries, in Yugoslavia and in Slovenia. Comparison that is made between certain types of chipboard as well as with related substances showes clearly specific differences. Particular emphasis is given to the difficult situation concerning cost and prices as well as to the supply of raw material. The size of worn out and exhausted Slovenian chipboard industry is alarming and the solution of this problem lies in its modernization which could be brought about by bigger investments. Development trends of European chipboard production are indicated and the possibilities of such development in SRS are assessed. The author points out that simultaneously with further development it will also be necessary to solve questions of environmental safety (formaldehyde, sawdust, waste, protection means). Investments into new technologies are not probable except for sensible complementing of existing technologies. Development should set its sights on targeted production. Chipboard characteristics should be less universal and more differentiated in respect of how and when to use them. Strategic aims of further development of wood industry are particularly important, above all of furniture which is very much in evidence on international market and very sensitive to its fluctuations. If there is to be any emphasis, it should be on the quality of the product and not on volume growth which is expected to be sluggish.