World’s “lightest” plywood available in UK

Banova Plus, which is being sold exclusively by Arnold Laver, comprises a balsa core with lightweight hardwood surfaces. It is billed as 50% lighter than conventional plywood.

Banova Superflex is a flexible variation of the product which has a textile layer that can be formed to create curves shapes.

Banova is manufactured by Germany company 3A Composites GmbH. Arnold Laver category director Terry Palmer described Banova as “almost an optical illusion”.

“It’s hard to fathom how such a solid product can weigh so little, while still being robust,” he said.

Banova has been used to make exhibition stands, sculptures, mobile advertising boards, theatre sets, cargo crates and lightweight furniture.