The Declining Supply of Ply - How it May Affect Your Van Upfits in the Future

THE INDUSTRY IS RUNNING OUT OF PLYWOOD

The most significant factor affecting the plywood market today is the sharp decline in available supply.

With a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of -1.9% in the US alone, this decline will have heavy implications for many industries, including commercial trucking.

Historically, around 80% of Europe’s plywood, particularly birch plywood, was sourced from Russia. With the onset of the Ukraine war and the resulting sanctions on Russian exports, Europe has been forced to scramble for alternative suppliers.

While countries like Turkey and some African nations have entered the plywood market, these suppliers often produce lower-quality materials that fail to meet the standards expected by many industries.​ (Plywood This Week)​(Timber Industry News).

Additionally, prominent plywood producers such as Koskisen have limited their customer base, opting to reserve their dwindling stock for existing contracts with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), further driving up demand and price.

The result? Companies that rely on plywood, especially for commercial van flooring, are left with higher costs, lower-quality products, and longer lead times.

HOW LEGEND IS SOLVING THE PROBLEM

At Legend, we mitigate such risks by maintaining a diverse supplier network across North America and internationally, ensuring that if one supplier faces disruptions, we have reliable alternatives.

Our strong relationships with suppliers allow us to navigate shortages more efficiently, complemented by our advanced inventory management systems that help us anticipate demand and minimize delays.

COMPOSITE FLOORING IS THE FUTURE

In line with our future-forward strategy, Legend prioritizes the creation of high-quality sustainable composite rigid flooring as a key aspect of our green initiatives.

We understand the critical importance of reducing our environmental impact, which is why 75% of each of our StabiliGrip floors are made from recycled materials.

STABILIGRIP is AN INVESTMENT IN DURABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Given the increasing difficulty in sourcing high-quality plywood, as well as its short lifespan and performance limitations, it's clear that materials like StabiliGrip are the future of van flooring. While plywood may have been the go-to solution in the past, the changing market dynamics and the superior qualities of StabiliGrip make it the smarter, more sustainable choice moving forward. Investing in StabiliGrip means investing in durability, safety, and long-term value—without worrying about the volatile plywood supply chain.

In an industry where operational efficiency and worker safety are paramount, it's time to move away from outdated materials like plywood and embrace the benefits of StabiliGrip.

To see how both products compare in a head-to-head strength test, click below!