NEAR SALZBURG, GERMANY - Global sales of laminate flooring have held steady in spite of the recent spate of world-wide economic challenges, according to the European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPFL).

More than 70 members of the EPFL came together in Fuschlsee lake for the group's annual general meeting. The EPFL includes 22 laminate flooring manufacturers and 23 supplier members.

EPLF said world-wide first quarter 2013 sales of laminate flooring were flat compared to the first quarter of 2012. EPLF noted that some markets tracked different than a year ago; sales increased in Asia, North America and Eastern Europe and remained stable in Western Europe.

Between 2007 and 2012, EPFL said global laminate flooring sales increased 1.5% overall, though declining by 4.4% in Europe. In 2012 about 45% of the laminate flooring sold was 7.5mm thick or less, another 45% was 10mm or thicker and the remainder was 8mm to 9mm thick, EPLF said.

EPLF is developing a new quality campaign in Russia to thwart inroads by loer-priced Chinese laminate flooring products. EPLF said, "There is a risk that these products will damage the reputation of laminate flooring amongst Russian customers."

EPLF will participate in the 2014 Wood Flooring Summit to take place at Domotex 2014 in Hanover, Germany. The association also will observe its 20th anniversary next year.

w of members of the European brand producers in the EPLF, visit www.eplf.com and www.myla