Jan 27, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. UPM Plywood has developed a new way to manufacture layered composites. The first application of the new technology is formable plywood which will be introduced at the furniture industry’s international Interzum trade fair in Cologne, Germany on 25-28 May 2011, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. The core of the new technology is a special adhesive film which allows the plywood to be formed after manufacturing. Formable plywood can be used to make bent wooden structures for example for furniture easily and effectively. Owing to the new adhesive technology, the products will also be stronger and more stable. UPM has applied for patents for the technology and its applications. The Finnish furniture manufacturer Isku will be the first to take formable plywood into use in mass production. The company has also been a partner for UPM in applying the new technology to furniture manufacturing. ”By using the formable plywood instead of traditional form pressing technology, we can simplify and enhance our production and make stronger and more durable products easier than before. Easy formability of the plywood allows furniture designers to explore whole new opportunities. The stability and accurate formability of the new plywood will also decrease production loss significantly”, says Kari Soljamo, Product Development Director at Isku. The new adhesive bonds not only wood but many minerals (rocks, ceramics etc.), glass, metals, textiles, paper and cardboard. Materials can also be combined to create multi-material composites. However, the uniqueness of the technology is best seen when bonding together flexible materials – especially wood veneer, as in plywood.