Plywood is often considered a sustainable source of timber for several reasons:

Efficient use of wood resources: Plywood production uses nearly all parts of a tree, reducing waste. The log is peeled into thin veneers that are glued together under pressure. This process allows even lower-quality wood, which might otherwise be discarded, to be used effectively.

Smaller trees can be utilized: The manufacture of plywood can use smaller diameter trees that are often not suitable for solid timber products. This means faster-growing, more sustainable species can be used for production, promoting better forest management.

Reduced dependency on solid wood: Plywood's high strength-to-weight ratio can reduce the amount of solid wood required in applications such as construction and furniture-making. This reduction in solid wood use can contribute to lower demand for logging mature trees, thereby supporting sustainable forest management.

Plantation grown timber: A lot of plywood is made from plantation-grown trees. These plantations are managed to ensure a continuous supply of wood, and the trees are often grown and harvested on a sustainable yield basis. This means that the rate of harvest doesn't exceed the rate of regrowth.

Potential for certification: Plywood can be certified by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), which ensure that the timber used comes from sustainably managed forests.

Promotes carbon sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, sequestering carbon. Using wood in long-lasting products like plywood keeps this carbon stored, rather than being released back into the atmosphere.

Energy-efficient manufacturing: The process of creating plywood requires less energy compared to other materials like steel or concrete, reducing the carbon footprint of the product.

Not all plywood is produced sustainably, however here at Eco Medals we make sure that we source the plywood that we use from sustainably managed forests.