In the recent market survey conducted by the Ply Reporter and BSMR, the demand trends for genuine calibrated plywood made with fully composed core veneer ranked at the top among product asked by retailers and dealers. The second hot product category for the trade was film faced shuttering plywood followed by Medium Density fibre boards of high density high moisture resistance grade. The demand for calibrated plywood is still in infancy and is fast catching up among traders and wholesalers. The survey conducted among 87 cities across the country reflected a curious mindset of dealers for branded calibrated plywood with genuine BWR category. The top most reason mentioned by the dealers was kitchen and wardrobe segment where high gloss laminates or acrylic sheets are being applied and need an absolute zero waviness finish surface. The growth in demand for genuine composed core calibrated plywood was noted as fast emerging product where material availability is there but lack quality and trustworthiness.
The calibrated plywood need is being felt across 13 states (selected among 29 states in India) that were surveyed during BSMR study. The calibrated plywood has to be very much "straight layer core composition even if it is cut from anywhere across the panel without any core gap or overlap" was widely mentioned expectation among plywood retailers in 68% respondents' views. Around 12% respondents were ready for 10-15 % extra price for high quality calibrated plywood where as 55% of the respondents were ready to pay 5-6% of extra price. Around 25% dealers did not wish to pay any extra cost for calibration as they believed it is already being offered by their existing suppliers or not yet needed. The reaming 8% respondents did not know anything about calibrated plywood benefits or its need.
The film face shuttering plywood has also become a daily demand material on retail counters of almost every key city in India. The survey found that film face plywood market is rapidly expanding and demand is increasing with government thrust on infrastructure spending and budget housing projects. The boost in commercial and industrial construction is also helping the film face demand in tier 2, tier 3 and smaller towns with each passing year reflected the Ply Reporter survey conducted during January to February 2020 period.
It isto be noted that India has so far 57 plywood units who are genuinely equipped with calibrated plywood infrastructure and machinery and are supplying material to Indian market. There are another 40 plants gearing up to manufacture calibrated plywood as of now. The Ply Reporter data analysis shows that so far India market has hardly 1.8% market share for calibrated plywood but is growing at 22% year on year.