Nicoletta Azzi, CEO of Panguaneta and Board Member of Assopannelli, presented the perspective of the plywood industry — a pivotal segment in the utilisation of poplar timber and its transformation into high-performance plywood panels serving strategic sectors such as furniture and automotive manufacturing. Her address underscored the decisive role of an integrated value chain in developing the technical expertise required to secure high-quality raw material, enabling competitive, performance-driven production aligned with the standards of excellence associated with Made in Italy.

Chaired by Riccardo Pase, Regional Councillor and Vice-Chair of the Environment Commission, and featuring remarks by Senate Vice-President Gian Marco Centinaio, the conference highlighted the multiple environmental and socio-economic benefits of poplar cultivation, including CO₂ sequestration, phytoremediation, floodplain soil stabilisation, temperature mitigation and employment across the entire supply chain. Speakers also stressed the need for targeted investments to strengthen vertical integration, foster research and formally recognise the environmental services generated by the sector.

Special thanks go to the President of the Associazione Pioppicoltori, Fabio Boccalari, and to the President of C.N.F.P., Claudio Massari, for involving us in this significant initiative.