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Q&A: Does lightweight board have a future in North America? |
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SWJ asked the Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) for their input on the current state and future of lightweight board (honeycomb panels) in North America.
Dave Winze, Hafele America product manager (an AWFS member company) and
Philip Martin, AWFS Board Member and Education Committee Chair, took
the time to answer.
Q: Lightweight panels (honeycomb panels) are not a new product but are
not used much by furniture makers in North America (other than Ikea).
Any thoughts on why this is?
A: Like many new products, unless there is a
demand generated for the consumer or manufacturer then it will be
difficult to adopt. And as there is more awareness by the consumer
regarding the benefits of this technology, and how it will support
initiatives such as “Green” and ergonomic improvements then the demand
will provide opportunities for companies to develop better ways of
utilizing these materials.
Q: Lightweight board uses less fiber, less energy and reduces costs in
other ways. Do you think this will translate into growing market
acceptance?
A: I think that these factors will definitely help in market
acceptance. Let’s face reality, people have to feel comfortable with
this material. Testing, market reports, environmental reports and all
this information will give them intellectual knowledge about why they
should accept this material, but it may not help them feel good about
it. I believe the supply chain has a unique opportunity to work
together to help people feel good about using these panels, by
educating and demonstrating how this can work for them. There will
still be applications where this is not the right technology, and that
should never be overlooked.
Q: Some say that lightweight boards are perceived by consumers as
cheap. Any thoughts on that?
A: If there is a perception of cheap, I do
believe it can be changed but it will not happen overnight. There has
to be some good success stories for its use before people will believe.
Lightweight panels offer opportunities for designers to do things with
this material they cannot do easily with other solid materials (like
hide lighting and shelf support hardware inside panels without
significant work), while working well with the manufacturer.
Q: One of the features of lightboard is that designers can create
thicker surfaces with less weight. Is this well known and appreciated
by furniture designers and manufacturers?
A: When I speak with designers
I ask them and they do see this as an advantage. Watch the home
remodeling TV shows, pickup a design magazine for furniture and
interiors or walk through department stores, looking past the
merchandise, and see many different areas where thick design lines are
being used. Lightweight panels is an alternate material to help
achieve designs that already exist. The manufacturer should have the
benefit of building a massive looking product and not have to invest in
specialized material handling equipment or making sure there is enough
people on the jobsite to install the product because of weight.
Q: Lightboard requires special hardware and sometimes special tools to
work with. Is this a drawback for furniture designers and
manufacturers?
A: There is a current surge of activity by hardware
manufacturers to design and make hardware that allows anyone to use
lightweight panels as an alternative material to enhance products.
Q: Does lightweight board pass the reality check with your
membership?
A: Time is the true test of this technology’s success. Each
time a new product type is introduced there will always be concern and
excitement regarding its use. There will always be some pioneers to
lay the tracks for others to follow and there will be different levels
which people will adapt this technology.
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