3 Important Sustainable Features of Plywood

More and more we see that Architects and clients alike are directing their projects to be sustainable and hold a low environmental footprint and rightly so. In the movement ‘Architects Declare’ we see a massive shift towards designing buildings and choosing materials that are sustainable, have a low carbon footprint and are better for the environment. The good news is that choosing sustainable building materials today is highly achievable.

When it comes to timber, opting for sustainable products doesn’t mean paying more or compromising on quality or style – and our plywood products are a great example of solutions that meet all needs.

So, if you’re looking for a go-to timber product that reduces your environmental footprint without limiting your design capabilities, read on to discover how, and why is plywood sustainable.

FSC Certified Timber Panels

If you’re looking to switch to sustainable timber, a simple first step is to choose products made from wood that is FSC certified. Through their global forest certification system, the Forest Stewardship Council is the most respected and credible certification system operating today, providing manufacturers and consumers with a guarantee that the timber has been sourced from a responsibly managed plantation.For an organisation to achieve FSC certification, their processes and practices are assessed by an independent certification body to ensure they meet all the specified social and environmental requirements. At Maxiply, all our plywood products are FSC certified, which gives you and your clients peace of mind that you are making a better choice for the environment.

Safer Oil For Prefinishing

Toxins and chemicals found in some timber coatings can be harmful to your health and the environment, so opting for a natural alternative makes sense. Our prefinished timber products are coated with a hard-wax oil system made from natural waxes and plants, which is a safer and more sustainable option compared to oils with a high concentration of chemicals.

On top of this, not only does our hard-wax coating provide an attractive and long-lasting finish, it also offers superior coverage.

Low Formaldehyde Emission

Many of the products and materials found in the buildings and items in our homes contain chemicals—from paint and carpets to cleaning agents and cosmetics. For pressed wood products such as plywood, there is often a chemical called formaldehyde used during manufacturing as an adhesive, or to provide the structure and moisture protection required in exterior grades of wood. Formaldehyde emissions are at their highest immediately after manufacture, before they dissipate steadily and rapidly over a period of days or weeks.

In Australia, there are two voluntary standards which categorise the levels of formaldehyde. Our plywood panels are classed as a ‘low-formaldehyde emission’ product, as they meet the test criteria levels of less than 1ppm formaldehyde. You can find out more about formaldehyde in this article or by contacting our team.

Sustainable Features Of Plywood Add To The Appeal

If you require a timber product with sustainable features for your next project, our FSC certified plywood panels tick all the boxes. Not only are they manufactured with timber sourced from responsibly managed forests, they are finished with a natural hard-wax coating and have low formaldehyde emissions—and you get all these benefits without compromising on quality, durability or style.

If you have any questions about the features of our plywood panels, or would like to request a sample of quote, please get in touch with our team on 1300 761 741.