Plywood: The Unsung Hero of Carbon Storage
Learn about the benefits of being an Eco Warrior when it comes to Plywood with International Panels (Australia).
Eco Warrior
At International Panels, we’re driven by a vision of a healthier planet—and that starts with the materials we choose. We don’t make plywood ourselves, but we’re proud to source a diverse range of plywood products from mills that share our commitment to sustainability. By partnering with suppliers who use responsibly managed forests and practice regenerative growth, we’re bringing you plywood that’s not just versatile but also a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. Let’s explore why plywood is an environmental champion and how our choices at International Panels are making a difference.
Timber’s Secret Weapon: Locking Carbon Away
Trees are nature’s carbon-capturing machines. As they grow, they pull carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and store it in their wood. When those trees are transformed into plywood, that carbon doesn’t vanish—it stays locked inside the timber for decades, even centuries, depending on how it’s used. Every sheet of plywood we offer at International Panels acts like a mini carbon safe, keeping CO₂ out of the air while it becomes part of your furniture, flooring, or structural projects.
How much carbon are we talking about? A single cubic meter of wood can store around 0.75 tons of CO₂—sometimes more, depending on the species and density. That’s carbon that’s no longer contributing to global warming. Plywood’s magic lies in preserving this storage capacity in a durable, practical form. Unlike materials that break down quickly, plywood keeps that carbon locked up for the long haul, turning a natural process into a climate solution.
Responsibly Sourced: Regeneration at the Core
At International Panels, sustainability guides everything we do. We source all our plywood from mills that rely on legally recognised, responsibly managed forests—places where timber is harvested with care and the land is nurtured for the future. These forests practice regenerative growth, meaning they’re designed to replenish themselves, often planting more trees than are taken. This ensures a thriving ecosystem that keeps absorbing CO₂, supporting wildlife, and providing renewable resources year after year.
Our suppliers’ commitment to regenerative forestry means the forests behind our plywood aren’t just holding steady—they’re growing. By choosing mills that prioritize this approach, we’re supporting a cycle where new trees capture even more carbon as they mature. It’s not about depletion; it’s about renewal. When you pick plywood from International Panels, you’re tapping into a supply chain that’s helping nature flourish.
Why Plywood Shines as a Sustainable Choice
Plywood’s carbon-storing power is just the start. Sourced from timber—a renewable resource—it’s a material that keeps giving back. Add to that the relatively low energy needed to produce plywood, and you’ve got a lightweight, durable option that’s kind to the planet. At International Panels, we offer a wide variety of plywood products—from structural panels to decorative finishes—sourced to meet your needs sustainably without sacrificing quality or style.
Here’s a little more to love about plywood:
- Long-Term Carbon Storage: That 0.75 tons of CO₂ per cubic meter stays locked away as long as the plywood is in use—think decades of climate benefits in a single sheet.
- Regenerative Advantage: The forests our mills source from are managed to grow back stronger, capturing more carbon over time.
- Versatility: Plywood’s adaptability makes it a smart, sustainable choice for countless applications, spreading its carbon-storing goodness far and wide.
International Panels: Connecting You to a Carbon-Conscious Future
We’re proud to bridge the gap between sustainable forestry and your projects. At International Panels, every plywood product we source is a testament to timber’s power as a carbon sink and the value of regenerative growth. Our diverse line up isn’t just about meeting your practical needs—it’s about proving that the materials we choose can heal the planet, one panel at a time.
So, let’s bust the myth that using wood harms the environment. With International Panels, plywood isn’t taking from nature—it’s giving back. It’s a renewable, carbon-storing marvel that turns construction into conservation. Next time you’re planning a project, choose plywood from us and know you’re supporting a supply chain that locks carbon away while fostering forests that keep on growing.
Kokoda Marine
Kokoda Gaboon Marine ply is considered better than cheap alternatives for several reasons:
Durability: Kokoda marine ply is made from high-quality Gaboon (Okoume) wood, which is known for its durability and resistance to rot and insect infestation. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for marine applications.
Water-resistant: Gaboon marine ply is made with waterproof glue (exterior A bond) and is specifically designed for use in humid and wet environments. It has a low water absorption rate and can resist delamination even when exposed to water for extended periods. It is recommended that you always seal the plywood for use in wet are applications to improve the lifespan of the plywood.
Strength: Gaboon marine ply is made with high-quality veneers that are cross-laminated, no core gaps or overlaps, providing superior strength and stiffness. It can withstand heavy loads and is less likely to crack or split under pressure.
Aesthetics: Gaboon marine ply has a smooth and even surface, making it an ideal choice for applications that require a high-quality finish. It also has an attractive appearance, with a uniform colour and grain pattern.
In contrast, cheap alternatives may look good to the untrained eye, but they will use lower quality wood in the core, have high amounts of overlaps and core gaps and try to hide it with a thinner, nicer looking face &back veneer. They also will use a lower quality glue (unlike the exterior a bond phenolic glue in the Kokoda marine). This can lead to higher water absorption rate, which leads to warping, delamination, and ultimately failure over time. They may also lack the strength and durability required for demanding marine applications, specifically in boat hulls, which will make them a poor choice in the long run.
Environmental Benefits of Using Plywood
Plywood is a versatile building material that offers several environmental benefits over other materials. Here are some of the environmental benefits of using plywood.
Renewable Forestry for Plywood
Renewable resource: Plywood is made from wood, which is a renewable resource. Trees can be replanted and regrown, making plywood a more sustainable option compared to materials like concrete or steel, which are made from non-renewable resources.
Lower carbon footprint: The production process for plywood is less energy-intensive compared to materials like concrete or steel, which require high amounts of energy to manufacture. This results in a lower carbon footprint for plywood.
Recyclable and biodegradable: Plywood is a recyclable and biodegradable material, which means that it can be easily reused or disposed of without harming the environment. On the other hand, materials like concrete or steel may end up in landfills, where they can cause environmental damage.
Reduced waste: Plywood is available in standard sizes and can be easily cut to fit specific dimensions, which reduces waste during the construction process. Materials like concrete or steel may require more cutting and create more waste.
Insulation properties: Plywood has natural insulation properties, which can help reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling in buildings. This can lead to lower energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint compared to materials like concrete or steel, which do not have natural insulation properties.
Reduced transportation emissions: Plywood is lightweight and easy to transport, which reduces emissions associated with transportation. This is particularly important for large construction projects that require significant amounts of materials to be transported.
Overall, plywood is a sustainable and environmentally friendly building material that offers several benefits over other materials. By choosing plywood for construction projects, we can reduce our impact on the environment and build more sustainable communities.
The Benefits of Plywood: Why You Should Consider It for Your Next Project
If you are in the market for a versatile and reliable building material, plywood may be just what you need. Plywood is a popular choice for a wide range of construction and DIY projects, and for good reason. Here are some of the benefits of plywood that you may want to consider:
Strength and Durability: Plywood is made by layering thin sheets of wood, called veneers, and gluing them together with the grain of each layer running perpendicular to the one before it. This makes plywood stronger and more durable than solid wood, with greater resistance to warping, cracking, and splitting.
Versatility: Plywood is available in a variety of grades, sizes, and thicknesses, making it a versatile choice for many different applications. From flooring and roofing to furniture and cabinetry, plywood can be used in a wide range of projects.
Cost-Effective: Plywood is often less expensive than other building materials, such as solid wood or metal, making it a cost-effective option for many projects. It is also lightweight, which can save on transportation and installation costs.
Sustainability: Plywood is an eco-friendly building material, as it is made from renewable resources and can be recycled or repurposed at the end of its useful life. Many plywood manufacturers also use sustainable forestry practices to ensure that their products come from responsibly managed forests.
Easy to Work With: Plywood is easy to cut, shape, and install, making it a favourite among DIY enthusiasts and professional builders alike. It can be nailed, screwed, glued, or even stapled, and it can be finished with paint, stain, or varnish to achieve the desired look.
Overall, plywood is a versatile, strong, and cost-effective building material that offers a range of benefits for many different applications. Whether you are building a new home or a small DIY project, plywood may be the perfect choice for your needs.
Thank you for considering the benefits of plywood. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your project needs further, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Welcome to KOKODA – A New Era of Plywood
Manufactured from 100% Eucalyptus veneers. Kokoda brings a new and more durable, stable, and flatter sheet to the market. Promising your customers, a competitive edge with its higher quality, higher density, easy to use,
firm installation, durability, and sustainability.
Eucalyptus plywood is not new, but what is NEW from Kokoda – New Era Plywood, that it’s now available in Certified AS / NZS 2269: 2008. Offering stress grades F11 and F17 with standard sheet size 2400 x 1200.
It is also fully H2 glue line treated making it suitable Australia Wide.
Contact us and get your order in today!
- 100% Eucalyptus veneers
- Certified AS / NZS 2269: 2008
- Stress grades F11 and F17
- H2 glue line treated
- 2400x1200
- Also in Non-structural
- 100% renewable and stainable resource
PYTHON PLY has arrived…
Looking for a Non-Structural Ply solution like no other? Our Python Ply is made of hardwood, yet is still light enough at 630kg/m3 average.
The material is reliably flat, so is perfect for furniture internals, under floor levelling, and packing crate construction to name a few.
CD Graded with an “A” Bond Glueline.
For the month of November 2021 we have a launch special price into the market. Yes it is a little higher priced than traditional pine, though without the hassles. Good stocks, with plenty more coming. Contact Rob or Jaye for more information.
Python Ply is coming!!
Our new Non-Structural (NS) Hardwood Ply is set to be a game changer in the Australian marketplace. Over the last 12 months we have seen a lot of the NS Ply diminish from Australian, Asian and South American mills. Global shipping, and the USA have had an enormous appetite for the product, which has seen us starving for our local building industry.
Make no mistake, there is no mill that loves making Non-structural Ply, because it is a downgrade from higher quality and higher priced Structural Ply. Mills simply want to increase their returns, as you would expect anyone in business to do. That said nobody likes paying a premium for something that is over specified, and simply not required. Therefore our Python Ply is set to backfill the Aussie construction and manufacturing industry with a quality product at a slightly higher than pine price. We think you will be impressed.
Python Ply will come in a 2400x1200mm sheet size, with thicknesses including 7mm, 9mm, 12mm 15mm, 17mm, 19mm & 25mm. Made with a mixed Eucalypt core and face veneer. You will think it is just too good for Non-Structural Ply, as the colours and finish is pretty good.
“PUT SOME BITE IN YOUR PLY - PYTHON PLY”
Imported, Marketed & Distributed by International Panels (Australia) Pty Ltd.
Ask our office or your Sales Manager for a sample today.
