For Jean Piveteau, President of Carrefour International du Bois: “This 2024 edition is an immense satisfaction. The stands have gone upscale again this year, reflecting the increase in skills in the sector and the diversification of products. We are delighted that the sectorization of the show was so well received by the exhibitors and met the expectations of visitors. The 25% increase in the surface area of the show, with an initial occupation of the XXL hall, has also made walking between the stands more pleasant and organized. We owe this success in large part to the involvement and professionalism of the Fibois Pays-de-la-Loire team which organizes this show in a warm atmosphere, characteristic of the Carrefour International du Bois. »
Attendance figures
- 13.500 visitors
- 39% foreign visitors
- Nearly 100 countries represented
For Géraldine Cesbron, General Commissioner: “After an exceptional 2022 edition, enabled by an extraordinary resumption of activity, the market has regained stable dynamics this year and confirms its recovery, in a difficult economic context. These first figures from the 2024 edition of the CIB prove the leadership of the event both nationally and internationally for the business of the forest-timber sector. The changes - opening days, sectorization, stand sizes, XXL hall - made for this edition have clearly contributed to improving the readability of the show and optimizing the visitor journey. »
The societal utility of the forest-timber sector: a major issue for this 2024 edition
The visit of Marc Fesneau, Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, at the opening of the show demonstrates the support now given by the State to the sector, already demonstrated through the appointment of an interministerial delegate for forestry , to wood and its uses last April (Jean-Michel Servant, former President of France Bois Forêt). Identified as a lever for the development of industry and employment, beyond its environmental usefulness, the sector is the subject of a second tranche of calls for projects as part of the government's investment plan. France 2030 operated by Ademe.
In an unprecedented social context, marked by the acceleration of climate change, renewing dialogue with society is a major challenge for the forest-timber sector. The Carrefour was therefore an opportunity to return to the latter's newly revealed societal utility report, which lays the foundations of its joint action approach for the years to come. It articulates the role of the forest and the sector around 3 pillars, which should make it possible to develop a common framework of commitment for wood professionals: meeting the needs of humans, protecting living things and fighting against global warming.
Aware of its wealth, this year the sector once again demonstrated its capacity to innovate in the service of reducing its environmental impact, exploring in particular the theme of reuse in construction. Indeed, the dynamic structuring of the wood industry is leading to the emergence of new players and new outlets making it possible to preserve resources and continually improve its environmental impact by working to extend the lifespan of wood products.
Proactivity in favor of the feminization of professions in the forest-timber sector
According to Sarah Laroussi, General Director of the CNDB, it is essential that the forestry sector makes itself known to women in order to promote the strengths of the sector and the professions that make it up. According to figures from the professions observatory, 20% of employees in the wood industry are women. This is more than in the construction sector, where women represent only 13% of the workforce; although this is encouraging, the forest-timber sector is ambitious and seeks to attract. Today, women in the forestry sector are not limited to support functions; they also work in the field, in forests, on construction sites and in carpentry companies. However, there remains plenty of room for progress and it is for this reason that the sector is initiating numerous actions to promote its careers.
For Nicolas Visier, Director of Carrefour International du Bois: “One word to sum up this 2024 edition: confidence. The professionals were delighted to meet again, to exchange with their clients and prospects, but above all they left feeling serene after 3 days of rich exchanges. The profession can have confidence in the future of this beautiful material of ours and plan for the medium term. It was important, and even necessary, given the economic situation, environmental issues and the normative pressure currently weighing on the sector. »
Zoom exponent digits
- 637 Exhibitors
- 40 Territories
- 39% international
- + 28% gross area
- 4 Exhibition Halls: Parquet, Panels, Construction & Services, Sawmilling, Forestry and Wood Trade
Word from an international exhibitor: KEBONY is a Norwegian company
Offering an ecological alternative for wooden slats intended for terraces and cladding, its patented modified wood technology is recognized worldwide for its durability. KEBONY participated for the second consecutive year in the Carrefour International du Bois, and is already planning its presence in 2026.
For Julie Agnese, Sales Manager at KEBONY: “The CIB is the unmissable international meeting where all wood professionals meet. This is a necessary step for a growing company like ours. We are delighted with this 2024 edition, where we have established excellent contacts with French and foreign companies (traders, architects, landscapers, etc.). »
Innovation focus: Woodtech
Since 2022, Carrefour International du Bois has given pride of place to innovation and the discovery of new products. At a time when innovation and cross-sector collaboration are essential, La WoodTech positions itself as a dynamic network that brings together and supports innovative start-ups serving the sustainable development of the forest-wood sector. These companies, through their technical or operational innovations, contribute to the transformation of the entire value chain of this industry. WoodTech took advantage of the event to announce a major initiative: the launch of a national startup competition for the Forest Wood Wood Chemistry sector, which aims to identify and support the most promising innovations within the sector, providing a platform for innovative ideas to receive the support necessary for their development and success.
Word from a French exhibitor: the Deschaumes Group
The family business, which has been exhibiting at Carrefour International du Bois for several years, is launching Naofloor, the first biosourced floor covering, with a neutral carbon footprint.
This parquet built with the FCBA technological institute, guaranteed French manufacturing, with wood certified Bois de France and PEFC 100%, is also removable, reusable, and reusable, giving it a lifespan of several centuries.
For Samuel Deschaumes, president of the new industrial startup: “This show is the ideal place to present new products to our customers and prospects, particularly because it offers a special place for responsible and sustainable innovations, in line with the sector's societal utility approach. »
There is awareness among public authorities of the importance of the sector and the responses it provides to society.
For Jean Piveteau: “We would like to warmly thank all of our exhibitors and partners for their presence and their trust. The forest-timber sector is taking its place, the one it deserves. »