Kronospan and the Global DIY Summit 2025: The Power of Industry Dialogue
The 11th edition of the Global DIY Summit, held in Lisbon from June 11 to 13, 2025, brought together over a thousand industry leaders, retailers, manufacturers, and innovators from more than 55 countries. Hosted under the theme "A New World Order – Redefining DIY for a Global Future," this year's event provided a strategic platform to explore how the home improvement sector must adapt in a time of accelerated change, both environmental and technological.
Kronospan, as a Diamond Sponsor, not only had a strong physical presence but also a deep alignment with the Summit's core mission. The organization's values and direction resonated strongly with the central topics explored throughout the event: sustainability, innovation, customer-centricity, and structural transformation in the retail landscape. These pillars, discussed across keynotes and panel sessions, are also deeply embedded in Kronospan's product development and business philosophy.
One of the dominant themes in Lisbon was the transition toward more purpose-driven, sustainable growth, including circularity, decarbonization, and the role of manufacturers in helping retailers meet the increasing demands of consumers for eco-conscious products. Kronospan's recent product developments align directly with these priorities: the company has showcased a wide range of low-emission, recyclable, and durable materials, including acoustic panels backed with recycled PET fibers, carbon-negative OSB boards, and its moisture-resistant O.R.C.A. flooring technology. These products minimize environmental impact and also respond to the rising demand for high-performance materials suitable for DIY applications.
Customer-Centric Product Design
Another key focus of the event was the impact of innovation and digital transformation on the home improvement sector. Topics such as AI, supply chain agility, and digital marketplaces underpinned a broader conversation about how industry players must evolve to remain relevant. Kronospan's product lines reflect this digital mindset: our synchronized embossed-textures and digitally printed decors exemplify the fusion of design and technology. We also invest in digital tools that support consumer decision-making, including VR visualizations and technical configurators, further linking it with the Summit's push for smarter, more user-friendly engagement across all channels.
A significant thread running through both the event and Kronospan's exhibition was the need to develop products that are not only innovative and sustainable but also practical and retail-ready. We answered this call with a comprehensive display of our most accessible and DIY-friendly ranges. Among these were the new Shelving and Furniture boards, a ready-to-install DIY worktop collection, and the Kronobuild® OSB loft panels, all designed to support both DIY enthusiasts and professional users with easy-to-handle, visually appealing materials.
Kronospan's booth was designed to offer a hands-on experience, allowing guests to touch, test, and interact with product samples in a well-curated environment. This attention to customer experience did not go unnoticed. Many attendees remarked on how our offerings stood out for their practical application and thoughtful design, products that respond directly to current consumer trends, including ease of installation, always on-trend aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.
As a supplier and strategic partner across the value chain, Kronospan emphasizes collaboration between retailers, manufacturers, and consumers, supporting clients with comprehensive solutions that extend beyond raw materials. As retailers seek to differentiate themselves through private-label products and efficient supply, our vertically integrated model and extensive product portfolio provide them with clear advantages.
Kronospan's participation at the Lisbon DIY Summit was a resounding success. The diverse product range attracted widespread interest. Stand B5 emerged as a hub for retailers, designers, and installers, showcasing a blend of innovation, sustainability, and market relevance. By spotlighting high-performance, design-led, and eco-friendly products, Kronospan reinforced its leadership in the wood-based materials sector and established a strong foundation for future growth in the DIY and home-improvement markets.
