Packaging Plywood FAQ

Q1: What standards apply to packaging plywood?

A: Packaging plywood mainly complies with GB/T 24311-2021 "Plywood for Assembled Packaging Boxes", issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation on August 20, 2021, and officially implemented on March 1, 2022. It specifies terms, classification, technical requirements, test methods, and inspection rules. Key indicators such as moisture content, bonding strength, and static bending strength also refer to GB/T 9846 "Ordinary Plywood" and other related standards.

Q2: What are the new formaldehyde emission requirements for packaging plywood?

A: According to the mandatory national standard GB 18580-2025, issued on May 30, 2025, and officially implemented on June 1, 2026, wood-based panels (including plywood, particle board, blockboard, etc.) must meet E1 grade (≤ 0.124 mg/m³) to enter the market; wood-based panel products must meet E0 grade (≤ 0.050 mg/m³). The new standard significantly raises environmental control thresholds, and both export and domestic sales need to pay attention to this change.

Q3: Does packaging plywood require a fumigation certificate for export?

A: No. According to the "Administrative Measures for Quarantine Treatment of Wood Packaging for Export Goods" issued by the General Administration of Customs, wood packaging materials that are artificially synthesized or deeply processed by heating, pressure, etc. (such as plywood, fiberboard, etc.) are exempt from fumigation. No heat treatment or fumigation is required, and no fumigation certificate is needed. However, plywood boxes should keep a material description for inspection to prove they are deep-processed wood-based panels rather than solid wood.

Q4: How to choose the moisture resistance grade of packaging plywood?

A: Plywood is generally classified into four categories according to water resistance. For packaging plywood, it is recommended to choose according to the use environment: for ordinary dry storage, Class III (moisture-resistant plywood) can be used; for export transport to high-humidity regions such as Southeast Asia and South America, or outdoor temporary storage, MR grade (moisture-resistant) or WBP grade (fully waterproof) plywood is strongly recommended. The 24-hour thickness swelling rate of MR grade plywood is about 4–6%, far better than the 18–25% of ordinary density board.

Q5: What are the common specifications and thicknesses of packaging plywood?

A: Common sizes are 1220 × 2440 mm, and 1220 × 4000 mm as well as various special shapes can be customized. Thickness usually ranges from 1.5 mm to 50 mm, with common thicknesses including 2, 3, 5, 9, 12, 15, 18, 25, and 30 mm. Face veneers can be okoume, bintangor, bleached poplar, mixed wood, or no veneer (bare board). The core is usually poplar, pine, or eucalyptus full core.

Q6: What is the service life of packaging plywood?

A: Under normal use conditions, the service life of packaging plywood is usually between 3 and 10 years, depending on the use environment and maintenance. In humid or highly corrosive environments, the service life will be shortened. It is recommended to keep ambient humidity below 60%, avoid long-term overload use, and regularly inspect load-bearing parts.

Q7: What problems occur when packaging plywood gets wet? How to prevent them?

A: Plywood exposed to water can easily delaminate and swell; particle board may become moldy. Preventive measures include: avoid long-term exposure to humid environments or direct contact with liquids; when transporting seafood or other moisture-containing goods, strengthen the sealing treatment of the box; use film-faced plywood or MR grade moisture-resistant plywood instead of ordinary panels.

Q8: Can packaging plywood be customized? What is the MOQ?

A: OEM/ODM customization is supported. Thickness, size, face veneer type, glue grade (E2/E1/E0/MR/WBP), and special-shaped boards can be customized according to customer requirements. The regular minimum order quantity is 1 pallet, which can be negotiated according to the order.

Q9: How to correctly cut and assemble packaging plywood?

A: For cutting, it is recommended to use a high-tooth carbide saw blade, and the cut edges need to be sealed. During assembly, reinforce the joints with tape or sponge strips. When nailing, use a wood block as a backing to prevent the panel surface from cracking. When removing the formwork, avoid large-area falling to prevent damage to the panels.

Q10: How to store and maintain packaging plywood?

A: Storage should be in a dry, flat, and cool place, with wood blocks at the bottom for horizontal support, avoiding sun and rain to prevent deformation or film aging. Daily cleaning should avoid scratching the surface phenolic resin film. For long-term storage, apply a protective agent. Minor scratches and damage can be filled with putty and then coated with repair paint.

Q11: How to deal with minor damage to packaging plywood?

A: For minor scratches or damage, fill with putty and then seal with special repair paint; for larger damage, insert a wood wedge for repair. After each use, completely clean the surface of the packaging board. Avoid using sharp tools during cleaning to prevent damage to the surface phenolic resin film.

Q12: What is the warranty policy for packaging plywood?

A: A 12-month warranty period is provided from the date of arrival of the goods. During the warranty period, if essential quality problems such as insufficient bonding strength (delamination), large-area blistering, or severe warping deformation occur, after confirmation, full compensation will be paid and replacement shipping costs will be borne. Damage caused by improper storage environment, improper processing methods, or human factors is not covered by the warranty.