In a recent interview published by the Turkish Laminart Magazine (April–May 2026 edition), Munksjö shares perspectives on global decor paper markets, design trends, and the evolving role of surface materials across furniture and interior applications, featuring insights from Florian Mayer, VP Sales & Marketing Decor, and Urungu Yoruker, Sales Manager Türkiye.

 

Below is the full English version of the interview, and the original Turkish publication can be accessed here.

 

1. Could you provide information about your production facilities, activities, and product range?

Florian Mayer: Munksjö is a global manufacturer of specialty papers with a strong focus on decor papers used in furniture, laminate flooring, and interior design applications. We operate production facilities in Brazil, Germany, Spain, and France, supported by international sales and technical teams, including sales offices in North America, China, Italy and in Türkiye/Istanbul, working closely with printers, panel producers, and laminate manufacturers worldwide.

Our portfolio includes print base papers, foil base papers, printed decorative papers, and solid-color decor papers for HPL/CPL, and LPL applications. These papers are widely used in furniture panels, laminate flooring, worktops, doors, and other interior and outdoor surfaces.

Supported by a flexible production platform, Munksjö continuously adapts to evolving market needs while developing decor papers with a strong focus on color design and tailor-made solutions. Through close collaboration across our industry, we develop and manufacture materials that combine design, stable processing, as well as high-end product properties and performance.

 

2. What is your annual production capacity for decorative paper?

Florian Mayer: We have an annual capacity of approximately 275,000 tons across all our production sites. This scale allows us to serve a wide range of customers worldwide while maintaining the flexibility to respond to regional market dynamics and changing demand.

 

3. What is your market share and position in Turkey?

Urungu Yoruker: With its highly developed furniture and panel industries and strong export orientation, Türkiye plays a very significant role in supplying decorative materials to international markets. This environment makes our domestic customers valued partners for collaboration across the global value chain.

In this context, although specific market share figures are not publicly disclosed, Munksjö maintains a strong, long-standing position in the Turkish market.  We work closely with leading printers and panel manufacturers, supporting their developments with decor paper solutions aligned with both local preferences and global design trends.

 

4. Could you describe your recent investments, future investments, goals, and plans?

Florian Mayer: Munksjö continuously invests in strengthening its production network and supporting the long-term development of decor paper solutions.

A key milestone was the Expandecor investment at the Caieiras plant in Brazil, which has significantly increased capacity and upgraded one of its paper machines to a state-of-the-art level, to enhance productivity, quality and product portfolio. In addition to reinforcing the company’s presence in Latin America, this expansion will also increase flexibility in supporting international markets, including Türkiye.

Munksjö remains focused on continuous operational improvement, product innovation, and close technical collaboration with customers across the decorative surfaces value chain. Looking ahead we do not stop to invest in people as for instance we now have 2 in-house designers, working closely with our customers to recognize trends and provide the right product at the right time.

 

5. What are the new trends in decorative paper?

Florian Mayer: Decor paper trends closely follow developments in architecture and interior design. There is a growing preference for nature-inspired palettes, including warm neutrals, earthy tones, and calming greens that create balanced and welcoming interiors. At the same time, solid-color decor papers are gaining relevance as versatile design elements. They are increasingly used to complement woodgrain patterns or to create distinctive visual accents.

Another important direction is the combination of layered colors and tactile effects. Designers are exploring compositions that combine solid colors, wood structures, and subtle surface textures, reinforcing the role of decor papers not only as functional materials but also as key contributors to contemporary design language.

 

6. Which decors stand out in your 2026 collection?

Florian Mayer: Recent decor developments highlight the importance of balanced and versatile color palettes. Warm neutrals such as sand, clay, and beige remain highly relevant, often complemented by natural greens, muted blues, and deeper accent tones.

Beyond the grounded and the neutral, something more expressive is taking center stage. Chromatic joy, color as pure emotion is one of the defining shifts in interior design right now. We are seeing color move from background element to main protagonist, used to spark feeling, elevate mood, and create spaces that resonate on a human level. A growing confidence in color as a tool not just for aesthetics, but for well-being, connection, and the quiet but powerful way it shapes how we feel in the spaces we inhabit every day.

These directions are reflected in Munksjö’s DENSITY Solid Color Trend Collection concept, which explores depth, contrast, and harmony in surface design. DENSITY is built on the interplay between high-density tones and airy, light hues;contrasts that create tension, balance, and emotional depth within a single surface palette. It is a collection designed for experimentation, for unexpected combinations, and for the growing confidence in color as a tool not just for aesthetics, but for well-being and human connection. The approach encourages the combination of subtle tones with stronger accents, enabling manufacturers to create interiors that feel both contemporary and timeless.

 

7. Could you tell us about the decors you have designed specifically for the Turkish market?

Urungu Yoruker: In the Turkish market, decor preferences reflect a combination of natural aesthetics, refined color transitions, and a strong emphasis on creating warm and inviting interior environments.
Munksjö develops decor papers that align these local expectations with global design directions. High-definition woodgrain visuals, sophisticated color tones, and balanced compositions are designed to support a wide range of applications, from residential to commercial interiors.

A key focus is on creating surfaces that combine aesthetic appeal with durability, ensuring consistent performance across different end uses.

Within this context, two solid-color decors have gained particularly strong recognition in Türkiye: Sandstone (D0254CR080) and Mineral Grey (D0213BR090).

Sandstone represents a soft and warm beige tone that complements natural materials such as oak, walnut, and hazelnut. Its subtle undertones contribute to a welcoming atmosphere while helping to visually expand interior spaces through balanced light reflection.

Mineral Grey offers a deeper and more structured interpretation of grey, moving beyond traditional industrial associations. Its richer pigment profile enhances surface definition and supports more sophisticated design expressions, particularly when combined with metallic accents or darker tones.
Together, these colors illustrate how decor papers can contribute to creating balanced interiors, combining warmth, contrast, and design versatility.

8. Could you briefly describe your marketing and promotional activities for 2026?

Florian Mayer: Munksjö’s marketing approach focuses on industry dialogue, design communication, and close collaboration with customers and partners.

Trade fairs such as Intermob and WoodTech remain important platforms to engage with the market, exchange insights on design trends, and strengthen relationships across the value chain. We’re selective as to which events to attend, to be able to provide our customers with the right resources and the best support possible.

In parallel, the company continues to promote its expertise through trend communication, technical collaboration, and ongoing dialogue with printers and panel manufacturers, highlighting the role of decor papers as both functional and design-driven solutions.

 

9. How do you see the current state and future of the Turkish board, furniture, and laminate flooring industry?

Urungu Yoruker: As of 2026, the Turkish wood-based panel, furniture, and laminate flooring industry is undergoing a notable transformation, evolving from a production-driven model toward a more design- and technology-oriented positioning.
Türkiye continues to be one of the leading global manufacturers in these sectors, supported by strong production capacity, logistical services, and a highly flexible manufacturing structure. The industry plays a key role as a supplier to Europe and the Middle East, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a dynamic global environment.

Looking ahead, sustainability is expected to remain an important driver. Increasing attention is being given to low-emission materials, certified raw materials, and compliance with international frameworks such as the European Green Deal.

At the same time, innovation in surface design is advancing toward more sensory experiences, combining visual depth with tactile qualities. Developments such as ultra-matte finishes, enhanced wood textures, and more realistic surface effects are gaining relevance.

Another important direction is the adaptation to modern living environments. Modular furniture concepts and high-performance laminate flooring solutions, including improved moisture resistance, are becoming increasingly important in response to compact and multifunctional spaces.

Within this evolving landscape, decor papers play an important role by supporting both the aesthetic and functional performance of final products, contributing to the industry’s shift toward higher value-added solutions.