Unlocking Plywood's Potential: A DESIGN REVOLUTION

BY JAIME ALVAREZ

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need for sustainable practices, many architects and designers are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact. However, one of the major challenges they face is finding a solution that is both sustainably produced and suitable for each unique project. While traditional building materials like hardwood and concrete have their merits, an often overlooked but increasingly popular choice among designers, architects and suppliers is plywood. Offering a remarkable blend of versatility and adaptability, plywood offers limitless possibilities beyond the realm of conventional applications.

Industrial Excellence

Plywood has earned a reputation for its reliability in industrial applications, especially with regards to fire safety. Traditional hardwood, if not treated, can be dangerous in industrial settings as it is highly flammable, but plywood veneers can be individually soaked in a fire-retardant solution and then glued and compressed making them uniquely fire-resistant and effectively safeguarding a variety of applications, including elevator interiors. High-rise buildings are becoming commonplace in urban settings which means the demand for elevators is growing in tandem. The risk of electrical and mechanical malfunctions cannot be overstated, and it is essential to take every precaution to avoid potential hazards including fires. Architects, builders and suppliers are increasingly relying on fire-rated plywood panels to ensure the safest possible elevator designs.

ABOVE: WITH GROWING TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS COUPLED WITH AN INCREASING WORLDWIDE COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY, E-BIKES ARE NOW BECOMING AN INTEGRAL MODE OF TRANSPORTATION AROUND THE WORLD. THIS INNOVATIVE E-BIKE FEATURES A PLYWOOD BASE WHICH IS BOTH LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE.

Revolutionizing Transportation

In addition to its durability and strength, plywood is extremely lightweight, meaning it can be used in the transportation sector to significantly reduce the overall weight of vehicles, leading to improved fuel efficiency. RVs and model homes in particular can drastically reduce their overall emissions and costs by using lightweight plywood paneling in their kitchen cabinetry, bed frames and overhead storage compartments. Plywood is also an increasingly popular choice for boat hulls and bows as it is flexible and helps reduce the overall weight of vessels so they can move through water more efficiently. Companies such as Evie Bee Designs have gone even further in their mission to explore plywood’s potential creating ElectraPly, an environmentally friendly plywood e-bike.

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Retail Redefined

Using digital print technology, companies have further managed to revolutionize plywood’s potential. Garnica, a leading manufacturer in the industry has developed a product line called Infinity which recreates highly sought-after veneer designs on a premium poplar plywood platform. This innovative solution not only produces stunning and realistic designs but also aligns with the industry's growing demand for sustainability. Although their current primary focus is on printing various wood grains and patterns, it is technically possible to print solid colors or even photographs and logos, opening up a world of possibilities for creative minds. By incorporating digital print technology into their plywood shelving, display units, and fixtures, retailers can effectively re-create the look of hardwood in their spaces without breaking the bank or compromising strength and durability.

Plywood's Rising Prominence in Sustainable Design

As the demand for sustainable and versatile building materials continues to grow, responsiblysourced plywood is positioned to play a central role in shaping the future of the industry. The architect and design community is always looking for ways to obtain LEED certifications for their projects and using sustainably sourced plywood can be a key component in that process. A widely available alternative to rare and exotic hardwoods which need to be protected, plywood is the ultimate cost-effective and endlessly adaptable solution that suppliers and their clients can count on for everything from interior design to transportation. S P

JAIME ALVAREZ is the Head of Marketing at Garnica and has been with the company for almost 10 years. Fluent in Spanish and English, Jaime lives and works in La Rioja, Spain, overseeing marketing initiatives for both the European and North American divisions. He studied Economics at the University of Zaragoza and also obtained a master’s degree in marketing Management from the ESIC Business & Marketing school.