Russian Birch Plywood Alternatives

Substitutes for Russian Plywood in the UK

since the plywood sanctions and import ban

Substitutes for Russian Plywood in the UK since the plywood sanctions and import ban

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, birch plywood production has been severely disrupted.

Russia was the largest manufacturer of birch plywood and also the largest source

of birch round-logs for plywood production elsewhere in the world.


Currently it is illegal to import Russian plywood and timber into the EU and UK.

This includes plywood produced in other countries using Russian logs.


More information regarding sanctions and enforcement can be found on our blog HERE

What are Russian Birch Plywood Alternatives?

Alternative Harvest Location

We have long-standing relationships with European plywood mills and are importing European Birch Plywood / Baltic Birch Plywood from countries such as: Latvia, Finland, Poland, Estonia.

However, volumes being imported cannot meet historical demand, so we are offering alternatives.....

Veneered Panels

Birch faced / birch veneered panels are available and represent a good alternative to B grade birch (which not available from Europe)

BB birch can be veneered with A grade birch, or an alternative light coloured veneer like Ash, Maple or Sycamore.

Species Substitution

European Pine Plywood

We first stocked this panel in 2015

Made in Europe with European logs

EUTR / UKTR compliant

FSC environmentally rated

Wall lining, furniture, shop fitting

Comparing Pine to Birch

Pine is slightly denser / heavier

Pine is more durable

Birch is stronger

Same number of plugs/patches

Same number of plies per thickness

Same light colour

Birch is plain grain / Pine has a figured grain


Glue line

Pine: exterior class 3 glue that is colourless

Birch: exterior class 3 glue that is dark brown

Birch: interior class 1 or 2 glue that is colourless

comparing birch and pine plywood

Pine

Birch

Decorative Maple Faced Plywood

B Grade Birch Plywood Alternative

European Production

No Plugs & Long-grain

One-piece Rotary Cut Faces

Hardwood Plywood Core