SomaniPly, a brand under Ecowood Exports Private Limited, is a leading manufacturer in the plywood industry. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the company operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit at Perumbavoor, Kerala. SomaniPly specializes in manufacturing a range of plywood products, including MR Grade, BWR/BWP Grade, Flexi Grade etc. They are widely used in furniture and construction, including cabinetry, partitions, paneling, modular furniture, and doors. Their high-water resistance makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, and marine applications. To assess the environmental performance of their BWP Grade Plywood, Monk Spaces conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and developed an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

The relevant product category rules (PCR) for the assessment was identified from the International EPD System. The assessment followed the guidelines of PCR 2019:14 – construction products – Version 1.3.4 and c-PCR-006 – Wood and wood-based products for use in construction (EN 16485:2014). The study was conducted in accordance with ISO 14040, 14044, 14071 and ISO 21930. The system boundary modules (life cycle stages) included cradle-to-gate (A1-A3), End-of-life (C1-C4) and benefits beyond the life cycle (D). These stages align with the mandatory requirements of the identified PCR and manufacturer specifications.

The primary data including information about raw materials, ancillary materials, energy consumption and waste generation were collected directly from the SomaniPly team. The data was collected following the PCR requirements. The necessary background data was sourced from the Ecoinvent database and valid EPDs, ensuring alignment with international environmental data sources. For these data, regional datasets were prioritized over national and global datasets to ensure accuracy and representativeness.  The collected data was then used to calculate the environmental impacts per 1 m³ of plywood. The uptake and release of biogenic content were also accounted in the assessment through biogenic carbon balancing as per PCR 2019:14.

The assessment quantified the environmental impacts per 1 m³ of plywood manufactured by SomaniPly. It analyzed key impact indicators, including Global Warming Potential (GWP), Water Deprivation Potential (WDP) and others as per PCR. The study identified key contributors to environmental impact across different life cycle stages. Recommendations were provided based on the findings to support sustainability improvements. A completeness check, sensitivity analysis, and consistency check were conducted to ensure data reliability and robustness.

The verified EPD for SomaniPly plywood, registered under EPD number [EPD-IES-0020172], serves as a transparent environmental declaration. It aligns with international sustainability standards and regulatory requirements. This initiative reinforces SomaniPly’s commitment to responsible manufacturing. The published EPD can be accessed here.