Plywood — A Reliable Choice for Your Van. There’s recently been increasing debate over whether plywood is outdated for van flooring. But what is the full picture?

At Kore®, we know it’s time to revisit the conversation. Plywood remains a reliable and smart choice, especially when considering longevity and overall value. 🌍

Let's explore why plywood still deserves your attention.
After all, informed decisions are always the best decisions.

Who are Koskisen Kore® and why we have something to say?

Kore® is a brand and a business unit of an internationally renowned Finnish wood products specialist, Koskisen Corporation.

» WE KNOW SOMETHING THAT OTHERS DON’T

We are Europe’s most ambitious van lining producer. Our wood comes from Finnish Forests. In Finland, the forest owners are legally obliged for forest regeneration. We at Koskisen actively support sustainable development with our regeneration services for forest owners. These practices ensure the future availability of high-quality raw materials.

We select every link in the supply chain to match our sustainability goals. From the forest to the van — it is in our control. For countless generations, birch has been central to the Finnish way of life. We produce our plywood in-house and we honour this amazing wood and our customers with equal respect. Our streamlined process meets the most stringent standards, giving you peace of mind. We know what we are talking about.

Do yourself and future generations a favour. Cover it with Kore®.

For generations, we've been nurturing and regenerating the Finnish forests that provide Koskisen's wood. This commitment to woodwise forestry ensures that our forests stay healthy and strong, also in the future. Through Koskisen’s forest management service, approximately one million tree seedlings are planted annually to support the growth of new forests.

» About the Supply Chain, Forests & Reliability

Do you ever wonder where your materials come from? We don’t. We at Koskisen know exactly where our wood is sourced, and we harvest according to PEFC and FSC standards. From these forests, we obtain the wood that supports both our work and your projects.

Despite industry claims about supply chain volatility and rising costs, plywood remains a widely used and reliable material. The market for birch plywood is indeed subject to fluctuations, but this does not necessarily negate its availability or practicality.

Koskisen plywood is robust, recyclable, and its credentials for quality and accountability are impeccable. As the only European producer with control of the entire supply chain from the forest to the van, we guarantee that you’re getting the best. Our in-house production allows you continuous access to the highest quality, professionally sourced materials.

Did you know?
Plywood is a carbon sink.
A natural and renewable material which can reduce your business’ environmental impact.

» About Longevity and Durability

Plywood – a natural choice for lasting performance. Choose once – use for a lifetime. Its durability, when properly used and maintained, is well-documented. The material is strong and has a long service life.

Did you know?
To soften the birch log for peeling the veneers, we cook the logs just in fresh water.

Today’s plywood for vans is often enhanced with advanced coatings that significantly extend its lifespan, making it a reliable choice for durable, long-lasting flooring. Plywood’s cost-benefit ratio is highly favourable — particularly for fleet managers who need to balance budget considerations with practical performance needs.

Plywood floors coated with phenolic resin overlays provide effective slip resistance for most applications, these anti-slip properties can be tailored through the use of various surface patterns. With regular maintenance, these anti-slip qualities will endure for the plywood’s lifetime. Additionally, the inherent resilience of high-quality plywood makes it adaptable across diverse environmental conditions. Plywood’s stability and structural integrity offers reliable support, regardless of temperature changes.

» The Advantage of a Solid Foundation with Plywood

While plywood may be heavier than some composite alternatives, this weight brings stability and strength. Most cargo vans are designed to carry the load of plywood flooring without significant impact on their energy efficiency or payload capacity. The additional strenght of plywood provides a more secure and stable base, especially when transporting heavy loads. It also allows additional cargo fixing possibilities which can reduce movement during transit thus ensuring a safe, stable journey for both cargo and vehicle.

Comparison from Kore® materials — What matters, is the purpose of your loading floor. You select, what weighs in the most in your decision process (pun intended).

» And How About Sustainability? — Ecological Awareness

Wood is a renewable resource, making it an inherently more sustainable option —especially when the forests from which it comes are properly regenerated. Wood from certified forests, such as those used for Koskisen’s plywood, ensures that the highest sustainability standards are met.

Our wood raw material comes from Finnish forests. In Finland, forest regeneration is protected by law, which also helps to ensure that our operations do not cause deforestation. At Koskisen, we actively support forest regeneration through our regeneration services for forest owners. These practices ensure the future availability of high-quality raw materials.

Certification programmes such as PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) assure that the wood products come from forests, where the wood sourcing is carried out with a balance between environmental, economic and social considerations.

Did you know?
At Kore®, 100% of the plywood used in our sets is PEFC-certified. Our van linings reflect our commitment to excellence beyond products, ensuring you get the best in both quality and accountability.

Modern plywood production has embraced more efficient, conscious practices. Advances in adhesives and processing techniques have further minimised environmental impacts. In 2023, Koskisen’s carbon handprint was more than double its carbon footprint. Plywood itself is both biodegradable and recyclable, contributing positively as an ecological raw material and a carbon store. We use the entirety of each harvested log, transforming it into long-lasting, CO₂-capturing products that are both durable and recyclable. The excess that can’t be used for products is utilized for energy in our production.

Through Koskisen’s forest management service, approximately one million tree seedlings are planted annually to support healthy, new forests. For us, caring for forests is not just a responsibility—it is our essence.

 Plywood – a natural choice for lasting performance. Choose once – use for a lifetime.

» Conclusion?

Plywood remains a viable, reliable, and often the preferable option for many cargo van applications. Its robustness enables a long service life and this, together with an established supply chain make it a top choice for van flooring and wall linings.

Koskisen's process delivers top-quality, customisable plywood tailored for specific needs and vehicle types. Our solutions offer perfect shapes, durable materials, and easy installation. Plus, we make ordering straightforward so you can focus on what you do best.

Do yourself and the future generations a favor. Cover it with Kore®.