Radosław Krawcewicz Named Technologist of the Year 2026
Radosław Krawcewicz, Head of Wood Bonding & Enhancement at Paged LabTech, has been awarded the title of Technologist of the Year of the Furniture Industry 2026. The prestigious distinction was presented at the 3rd Technologists' Forum, held as part of the DREMA 2026 trade fair in Poznań, in recognition of his contribution to developing an innovative bonding technology with no added formaldehyde, used in Paged FreePly and Paged FreePly Nature products.
The award, granted by the organisers of the 3rd Technologists' Forum, goes to people whose achievements have a real impact on the development of the wood and furniture industry. This year, recognition went to a solution that addresses one of the most important challenges of today's market: reducing chemical emissions while maintaining the highest performance properties of plywood. The laureate was selected by a panel of experts forming the Expert Lodge of the Wood and Furniture Industry.
From a bold question to a breakthrough technology
The story of the project began with a seemingly simple question: is it possible to create plywood with no added formaldehyde without compromising its strength, durability and aesthetics?
The idea for the project was initiated by Dr. Ewelina Depczyńska. However, the Paged LabTech research and development team faced a far more difficult task than developing a laboratory formulation. It was necessary to create a technology that could be successfully implemented in industrial conditions.
A key role in delivering this project was played by Radosław Krawcewicz, who is responsible for wood enhancement and bonding. Together with the Paged LabTech team, and in cooperation with the Faculty of Chemistry at Gdańsk University of Technology, he conducted research and technological trials aimed at developing a bonding system with no added formaldehyde.
The greatest challenge was not developing a solution in the laboratory. It was creating a technology that could be successfully implemented in industrial production. The success of Paged FreePly shows that combining science, research and industrial experience makes it possible to break through barriers previously considered insurmountable.
Innovation with measurable results
Several years of research and development work have resulted in Paged FreePly and Paged FreePly Nature plywood, which use the bonding technology with no added formaldehyde developed by Paged LabTech.
The solution achieved a formaldehyde emission level of just 0.0018 ppm, measured in accordance with EN 717-1 and corresponding to the natural emission of wood. The formaldehyde emission level was determined using the chamber method. At the same time, the material retains high strength properties and bonding quality class 2, intended for applications requiring increased moisture resistance.
The new technology was developed primarily with furniture making and interior fit-out in mind. Paged FreePly plywood can be processed both mechanically and by laser, while the Paged FreePly Nature variant additionally uses natural veneers, giving designers a wide range of aesthetic possibilities.
Innovation begins with asking bold questions. Paged FreePly is an example of how scientific knowledge, the persistence of a research team and cooperation with both academia and industry can translate into a solution that is ready for implementation and responds to the real needs of the market.
Research whose results led to industrial implementation
The technology developed by Paged LabTech did not remain merely a research project. It has been successfully implemented in industrial production and is now used in Paged FreePly and Paged FreePly Nature plywood manufactured by Paged Plywood, the largest Polish plywood producer.
This is an example of effective cooperation between the research and development base and the production plant, which made it possible to move quickly from a laboratory concept to a commercial solution available to customers. These innovative products respond to the market's growing expectations regarding safety in use, indoor air quality and sustainable development.
Benefits that go beyond the product itself
The significance of the innovation is not limited to the parameters of the finished plywood. The technological solutions applied have also made it possible to cut production time by as much as half, increase process efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
This shows that modern technologies can simultaneously improve product properties, support environmental goals and increase the competitiveness of industrial processes.
A team success and a confirmation of expertise
The distinction is not only a personal success for Radosław Krawcewicz but also a confirmation of the high level of expertise of the entire Paged LabTech team and of the effectiveness of its research and development projects, as emphasised by Przemysław Kłobut, President of Paged Plywood.
When we founded Paged LabTech in 2019, we knew that the future of plywood lay in solutions that go beyond the standard properties of this material. Today, our innovations confirm this: Paged DryGuard FR – a unique plywood that is resistant to both fire and weather conditions, Paged GreenPly, which uses a plant-based adhesive, and the award-winning Paged FreePly technology. I would like to thank the organisers of the 3rd Technologists' Forum, the entire Paged LabTech team and our customers. We are proud that Paged LabTech is setting new directions for the development of the wood and furniture industry.
We invite you to watch a short video in which Radek talks about the research approach behind the Paged FreePly technology (in Polish).
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