The product is from MLMD’s “established supplier”, Pizhou Jiahe Carpentry Co and was bought through Panda Panels Agency.

“We’ve been working with both Jiahe and Panda Panels to introduce an FSC Chinese hardwood plywood for in excess of 18 months – to see our first consignment is a great development,” said MLMD purchasing director Richard Lazenby.

He added that until recently commercial volumes of FSC plywood from China were “just an aspiration”.

“However, with the commitment of suppliers like Jiahe to achieve registration and increasing demand, we believe such products have an excellent future in the UK, despite their current premium cost.”

The FSC plywood will be available through MLMD group businesses Montague L. Meyer and William T Eden.

MLMD’s initial trial quantity is 100m3, with a follow on volume of several hundred cubic metres expected.

“We see potential to grow in line with the mill’s availability, reaching 500m3-plus a month fairly quickly,” said Richard Lazenby. “But that will depend on UK demand and the potential introduction of an [EU] anti-dumping penalty.”