Layer Develops New Corrugated Plywood Process
The British design firm teamed up with Corelam to create a high-strength, lightweight manufacturing method.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Manufacturing
Live Poll
Do you prioritize sustainability over strength when choosing furniture for your home?
Design firm Layer has unveiled a new production process for corrugated plywood created through pressure lamination. The method was developed in collaboration with the Canadian manufacturer Corelam.
Why it matters
This development allows for the creation of lightweight construction materials with an optimized strength-to-weight ratio. The firm utilized this technique to produce the Ripple table as part of a studio research initiative.
The production process utilizes 3mm thick plywood to achieve its structural integrity. This specific thickness was selected to balance the material's strength-to-weight ratio.
The players
Layer
Layer is a British industrial design and engineering firm known for its research into lightweight constructions.
Corelam
Corelam is a Canadian manufacturing firm that collaborated with Layer to develop the corrugated plywood production process.
The details
Layer developed the corrugated plywood technique as an internal research project focused on lightweight design constructions. The process relies on pressure lamination to transform the wood into a corrugated form, resulting in a product used to manufacture the Ripple table.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: The development of the manufacturing process was announced.
Market Landscape
The development of the Ripple table signifies a shift toward experimental material engineering within the furniture industry. This process positions Layer to compete with firms prioritizing sustainable and lightweight composite materials.
Shoppers can expect to see furniture designs that utilize these new lightweight construction materials in upcoming product catalogs. The use of this plywood process may eventually influence the weight and structural durability of flat-pack and custom furniture items.
The takeaway
This new process demonstrates how industrial design can modernize traditional materials like plywood to improve functional performance. Readers interested in sustainable home design should keep an eye on how these lightweight components appear in future high-end furniture retail.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in industrial techniques within the Manufacturing section.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize sustainability over strength when choosing furniture for your home?
