With decades of experience in fiber processing for applications such as paper, packaging, and panelboards, the Andritz Wood Fiber Substrate Team is applying its know-how to the horticultural sector. According to Enrico Fuser, Senior Sales Manager Wood Fiber Substrate at Andritz, the past year has highlighted structural challenges that are reshaping the market.
"We currently see very dynamic discussions between several stakeholders in the substrate sector about the sourcing of raw materials," he explains. "One main reason is the low peat harvesting during last year, due to weather conditions in Europe, especially in the Baltic region."
Reduced peat availability has intensified research into alternative and complementary raw materials. This trend has continued into early 2026, with substrate producers reassessing long-term supply strategies and material compositions.
"Research for alternative sources and also considerations about other complementary raw materials arose in the last six months and are still a topic of interest at the beginning of 2026."
© Andritz
The Andritz substrate Pressafiner
Wood fiber as a substrate component
Within this context, wood fiber has gained renewed attention. Its physical properties, combined with sustainable sourcing potential, make it a strong candidate for use in professional substrate blends.
"All these topics clearly confirm the strong potential to further increase the use of wood fiber as a suitable component for substrates preparation," Enrico says. "Wood fiber combines strong growing performance with environmental sustainability, making it an ideal component for modern substrate solutions."
Beyond agronomic performance, wood fiber offers logistical and economic advantages when produced locally. Andritz observes growing interest from companies evaluating in-house fiber production to reduce dependency on external suppliers.
"If we consider an own production of wood fiber, for own utilization on a local base for example, raw materials demand can be easily guaranteed. Long transport ways are not needed anymore, and substrate production costs can be kept low as well."
This shift toward decentralized production aligns with broader industry goals of cost stability, reduced carbon footprint, and supply chain resilience.
© Andritz
The Andritz substrate Refiner
Technology development for substrate applications
To support this evolving market, Andritz has recently expanded its portfolio with machinery specifically designed for substrate applications. After completing the design phase, the company manufactured two new machines: the Substrate Pressafiner and the Substrate Refiner.
"After finalizing the design, we manufactured our latest wood fiberizing machine models for the sector." These machines were developed with a focus on fiber quality, operational efficiency, and maintenance accessibility. Their design approach has already received external recognition.
"These new machines recently won the Excellent Selection Award at the Design Intelligence Award 2025 and show already their innovative character and user-oriented features for both production and maintenance," he adds.
According to Andritz, testing and early operation results have been highly positive, supporting further project development in the coming year.
"Tests and operation are very successful and well-promising. In 2026 we have some ongoing projects already and we work on new ones as well."
IPM Essen 2026: Focus on fiber solutions
These developments will be presented to the industry at IPM Essen 2026, where Andritz will exhibit at Booth GA13 in the Galleria. Visitors will be able to explore machine concepts through 3D models and examine different wood fiber structures firsthand.
"We will be there at the IPM fair to welcome visitors and answer the question: 'Why wood fiber and why now?'" Enrico says.
The company expects the exhibition to reflect growing interest in wood fiber manufacturing technologies, particularly among substrate producers seeking long-term alternatives to peat.
"At the IPM 2026 fair we expect more demands for wood fiber manufacturing," he concludes.
For further discussions, Andritz invites industry professionals to visit Booth GA13 at IPM Essen and engage directly with its wood fiber substrate experts.
For more information:
Andritz
Enrico Fuser
[email protected]
Christoph Leitner
[email protected]
www.andritz.com
