In recent years, the Israeli design world has opened up to new materials that offer an alternative to natural wood – not only in terms of price and maintenance, but also in terms of stylistic flexibility. One of them is eco-furnier by the company EGGER, distributed in Israel by d-box. This is a material that seeks to offer a different solution for using wood: One that looks completely natural but performs in a more predictable and durable way.
Eco-furnier is made from a layer of decorative paper that receives the texture and finish of wood, strengthened with melamine resin and attached to MDF or particle boards. This creates a coating that imitates real wood – including textures and “wood grain patterns” – but is more suitable for intensive use. According to d-box, the material is resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches, which makes it a more common solution for projects in which natural wood might require complex maintenance.
In terms of design language, the standout advantage is the variety of options: Eco-furnier comes in dozens of shades, textures, and gloss levels – from light oak to dark and modern looks – and allows designers to create material continuity between carpentry, wall cladding, and furniture pieces. This is one of the reasons it is becoming more common in private homes, offices, and hospitality.
The introduction of materials of this kind is also linked to a broader trend of using sustainable materials. Eco-furnier is partially based on recycled materials, and its production process complies with green building standards – allowing people to enjoy a wood-like appearance without burdening natural resources.
In the end, this is not a complete substitute for natural wood – but it is an alternative that keeps improving, allowing designers to work with “wood” that is more flexible, stable, and easier to manage. For those planning a design project and wanting to understand the new tools available to them, this is a material worth knowing.