Wood Tech Warsaw Expo 2026

This is really not wood

From March 17–19, 2026, we took part in Wood Tech Warsaw Expo, one of the largest events for the wood processing and furniture manufacturing industry in Poland. At our booth, we presented Strumber® material alongside furniture made from hemp and flax, designed for practical, real-world applications. The simple message - “this is not wood” - proved highly effective. Visitors stopped, examined the material up close, and tried to figure out what they were looking at, because it both looks and feels like wood.

Interest was largely driven by a growing demand for alternatives to traditional materials. Many visitors highlighted raw material availability, consistency, and environmental considerations. Strumber was often seen as a solution that addresses these challenges without compromising technical performance or aesthetics.

The largest group of visitors consisted of furniture industry professionals - manufacturers, designers, and carpenters. For them, one question was key: can this be used “here and now,” without major investment or the need to order large volumes? The ability to purchase single elements and samples at this stage proved to be a significant advantage, opening the door to testing and initial implementation.

Practical implementation

One of the most frequently discussed topics was processing. Many assumed that a fibrous material would require specialized tools or changes to machinery. In practice, Strumber behaves similarly to hardwood when it comes to machining (cutting, sanding, milling) and surface finishing (oiling, varnishing, painting). This means there is no need for new production lines - significantly lowering the barrier to entry.

These were not just claims. The finished furniture displayed at the booth demonstrated the results: smooth, well-finished surfaces, clean aesthetics, and a variety of finishes. It confirmed that despite its fibrous structure, the material can achieve results comparable to wood when properly processed. Importantly, standard woodworking machinery can be used.

Available formats and options

Strumber is available in several formats, making it adaptable to a range of design and production needs:

- Beams: 170 × 170 × 2550 mm
- Boards: 170 × 2550 mm, thickness 20–50 mm
- 3-layer cross-laminated panels: 2500 × 1250 mm, available in 18 mm, 22 mm, and 36 mm thicknesses.

The material is also available in different density levels: 500, 550, 750, and 900 kg/m³. The choice depends on the intended application and performance requirements.

During the event, the greatest interest focused on Strumber Hemp panels, particularly in the standard furniture thickness (18 mm) and thicker versions for countertops (36 mm). Solid elements such as beams and boards also drew attention. Visitors were often surprised by their weight and density, which are comparable to solid hardwood. Combined with a uniform structure free of knots and internal defects, this made the material especially attractive for demanding applications.

Strumber Flax samples were also well received, appreciated for their natural, honey-like color, which is achieved during the flax pressing process.

What about the price?

In terms of pricing, Strumber remains competitive within the premium material segment, serving as an alternative to solid wood and high-end species such as oak or walnut. With properties comparable to hardwood, it also offers greater efficiency and structural consistency. Its renewable origin and design flexibility make it a solution that meets quality, economic, and environmental expectations.

Applications and future potential

Applications were another recurring topic. Furniture, countertops, doors, and flooring are the most obvious directions, but more unconventional ideas also emerged, such as musical instruments or toys. For children’s products and educational spaces, a key advantage is zero formaldehyde emissions, making the material suitable for demanding environments such as kindergartens and nurseries.

There was also strong interest from schools and educational institutions, many of which invited us to collaborate. We provided material samples to young carpenters and technical students, allowing them to test and gain hands-on experience with new materials while still in school.

Made in Poland

The origin of the material was a frequent topic of discussion. For many visitors, it came as a surprise that the entire process - from raw material to technology and production - is based in Poland. Hemp from the Lublin region, a production facility near Zamość, local capital, and homegrown know-how. In a market with a strong international presence, this aspect was clearly appreciated.

A market ready for change

Wood Tech Warsaw Expo 2026 showed that the market is open to new material solutions - as long as they offer clear performance, availability, and ease of implementation. Strumber fits this direction as a material that combines familiar usability with a new approach to raw materials and sourcing.

For us, it was above all a time of validation, conversation, and gathering insights that will directly influence the next stages of development.

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