13.08.2013
Implementing the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) in the furniture sector is probably more pronounced than in any other sector. Much of the wood content of a furniture item may be hidden, particularly in upholstered products. There has been some consolidation in the international furniture industry in recent years – particularly driven by IKEA in Europe – but the sector remains very fragmented compared to many other industrial sectors.
The world's 200 largest furniture manufacturers only account for around 30% of total production worldwide. The wood furniture sector particularly is characterized by relatively low barriers to entry, is still often based on small scale artisan operations, and is very widely distributed