Linyi, Shangdong Province in China became a hub for the decorative surfaces sector in November, with over 1,500 experts descending on a major conference to look at the major trends and issues in the sector.
The Global Decoration Surfaces Conference 2024 (GDSC) was held alongside the 12th Innovation Conference of the Decorative Paper and Decorative Panel Customized Home Industry Chain.
More than 700 organizations came together to discuss the high-quality development of the wood industry in the November 13-15 event hosted by the Research Institute of Wood Industry and Chinese Academy of Forestry, with the conference focused on the theme “Keep Positive Innovation to Promote Industrial Modernization.”
The conference aimed to integrate global resources, address common challenges in the industry chain, and analyze new trends in the decorative paper, panel, and customized home furnishing sectors. Key topics included enhancing productivity, driving economic growth, advancing intelligent and green technologies, and promoting industrial modernization and market internationalization.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
The conference had one main session and two sub sessions focusing on industrial modernization and market internationalization, with more than 30 experts and entrepreneurs delivered special reports.
The conference emphasized industry innovation and market expansion by sharing cutting-edge technologies, exchanging ideas on emerging trends, showcasing new products and designs, and discussing novel business models. These efforts aim to accelerate industrial upgrading and assist enterprises in expanding their global reach.
The Global Decoration Surfaces Conference has become a vital platform for showcasing technological achievements, fostering corporate collaboration, and deepening international partnerships. It plays a crucial role in driving the high-quality development of China’s wood-based panel industry.
Of course, China is a giant in terms of being a producer, consumer, and trader of wood products, with an industrial scale exceeding RMB300bn.
Among the participants were Michael Riffel and Xiaohan Wang from AFRY Management Consulting. Mr Riffel delivered a keynote speech, sharing insights into challenges and opportunities in the panel and surfacing market.
Mr Riffel told conference delegates that regional variations highlighted shifting market dynamics across the globe. He said the recovery of the European panel and surfacing market was slow compared to other regions globally due to satisfied consumer demand and low construction activity.
Asia and the Americas are recovering more quickly, with India, Vietnam and Malaysia being the hot spots in Asia-Pacific.
Mr Riffel explained that China is further increasing its particleboard and decor paper capacity. Together with existing overcapacities in MDF, export pressure is rising. Chinese firms are expanding their product ranges by investing in value-added offerings and boosting product quality.
Furniture production in China is moving further inland, evolving towards a customised approach to meet customer demands and create new sales channels.
KEY EVENTS AND INITIATIVES
Several important events and initiatives took place during the conference, including the launch of the 2025 Home Furnishing Innovation Trend Report: This research initiative aims to provide insights into future trends in the home furnishing industry.
Another report issued was the 2023 Annual Report on Corporate Social Responsibility of China’s Forestry Industry, highlighting the industry’s commitment to sustainable development.
An awards ceremony for new products was also held recognizing innovation and excellence in the industry.
In addition to these, several specialized activities were held, such as the Fifth Global Surface Decoration Original Design Show series, the Second Wooden Products Coatings and Coating Industry Innovation Development Symposium and the 2024 Laminated Surface Products Innovation Development Symposium.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit seven leading wood industry enterprises in Linyi, providing valuable insights into the region’s industrial advancements.
