Plywood species
Rubberwood plywood: what it is, grades and uses
Short answer: rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) is the standard core and face timber for commercial/packing-grade plywood across South India and Southeast Asia. It is light, dimensionally stable, and cost-effective — the right choice for export packing cases, crates and general-purpose panels where you don't need the full waterproofing of marine ply. It comes in MR and BWR grades; specify MR for dry transit, BWR where humidity is a risk.
What rubberwood is
Rubberwood is the timber of the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree, harvested at the end of the tree's latex-producing life (typically around 25–30 years). It is a plantation-grown, renewable hardwood — which is part of why it dominates packing-grade plywood production in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Southeast Asia: there is a steady, managed supply.
Rubberwood has a pale, even grain, moderate density (~550–620 kg/m³), and takes glue and nails well. It is not a structural hardwood, but for packing and crating it punches well above its cost.
Rubberwood plywood grades
| Grade | Standard | Bond | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MR — Moisture-Resistant | IS 303 | UF (urea-formaldehyde) | Dry transit by road, rail and container; indoor use |
| BWR — Boiling-Water-Resistant | IS 303 | MF (melamine-fortified UF) | Humid ports, monsoon transit, longer outdoor exposure |
| BWP — Marine | IS 710 | Phenolic (WBP) | Permanent water exposure — over-specified for ordinary crating |
For most export packing cases and crates, MR or BWR is the right grade. BWP/marine rubberwood ply exists but is rarely specified for packaging; see marine plywood for those applications.
Rubberwood vs hardwood (gurjan/keruing) plywood
| Property | Rubberwood ply | Hardwood ply (gurjan/keruing) |
|---|---|---|
| Density | Moderate (~550–620 kg/m³) | High (~700–800 kg/m³) |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Strength | Good for packing | Higher — suited to structural/container flooring |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Packing cases, crates, general panels | Heavy crates, container flooring, structural boards |
If you're building light to medium export cases, rubberwood packing-grade ply is usually the most cost-efficient choice. Where the case must carry heavy structural load, a hardwood-framed design with rubberwood skin panels is common. See also what plywood for packing cases and Okoume vs gurjan.
Common thicknesses
Rubberwood packing-grade plywood is made in standard thicknesses: 4, 6, 9, 12, 16, 19 and 25 mm. Custom thicknesses are produced to order. Sheet size is typically 8'×4' (2440×1220 mm); custom sizes including 10'×5' are made to order.
Specifying it correctly
When ordering, state: grade (MR or BWR), thickness, sheet size, and face/back appearance requirement. The IS 303 standard covers both MR and BWR bonds; the grade is determined by the adhesive used. We confirm the exact specification on your proforma invoice. See commercial / packing-grade plywood.
FAQ
Is rubberwood plywood strong enough for export crates?
Yes — rubberwood packing-grade plywood is the standard for export crating across South India and Southeast Asia. For very heavy machinery, pair it with a solid-wood hardwood frame.
What is the difference between rubberwood MR and BWR plywood?
MR (Moisture-Resistant, IS 303) uses UF adhesive — for dry transit. BWR (Boiling-Water-Resistant, IS 303) uses a melamine-fortified bond — for humid or longer-transit conditions. Both are rubberwood core.
Is rubberwood a hardwood or softwood?
Rubberwood is a plantation hardwood (Hevea brasiliensis), but it's lighter and less dense than structural hardwoods like gurjan or keruing. It's classified as a light to medium hardwood.
Does rubberwood plywood need ISPM-15 treatment?
The plywood panels are generally exempt from ISPM-15 (manufacturing eliminates pests). Solid-wood runners and framing in the crate do require treatment. We supply ISPM-15-compliant finished cases.
What is the standard thickness for packing-case rubberwood plywood?
Common thicknesses are 6, 9, 12, 16 and 19 mm for case panels, with 4 mm for lighter dividers and 25 mm for heavy-duty bases. We confirm thickness against your case load at quotation.
Need rubberwood packing ply quoted?
Send the grade (MR or BWR), thickness, quantity and destination — we'll quote FOB Cochin within one business day.