About UPM

UPM Plywood has developed a new technology for manufacturing layered composites. The first application of the new technology is formable plywood UPM Grada, which was introduced to the market in 2011.

The new composite technology is a result of years of determined scientific research and development. The core is a special adhesive film that allows the plywood to be formed after manufacturing. UPM Grada is formed into a desired shape in a simple three-step process of heating, forming and cooling.

Traditionally plywood products have been made by gluing and pressing layers of veneer into a desired shape.The bond-line cannot be altered after the adhesive has set. UPM's new adhesive simplifies the manufacturing process, as veneer handling and gluing can be eliminated from the workflow. Working with UPM Grada doesn't involve handling hazardous chemicals and the material can be recycled at the end of its life.

Formable plywood is very well-suited to many end-uses, such as furniture and various industrial applications. Applying the technology to other materials will broaden its range of end uses yet further.