HPVA (Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association), now the Decorative Hardwoods Association, is the US trade association for the hardwood plywood and decorative veneer industry.
Detailed Definition
HPVA represented manufacturers and suppliers of hardwood plywood and decorative veneer and now operates as the Decorative Hardwoods Association. It is known for administering the ANSI/HPVA HP-1 standard for hardwood and decorative plywood. It is not the body for solid hardwood lumber; hardwood lumber grading rules come from the National Hardwood Lumber Association. For pallets, its relevance is mainly through plywood used in crates, decks and boxes.
Plywood in pallets and crates
Plywood shows up in pallet-related packaging as solid tops on pallets, crate panels, skid boxes and some export pallets. Because plywood is a processed wood product made with glue, heat and pressure, ISPM-15 exempts it, along with other processed wood such as OSB and particleboard. Packaging made entirely of plywood therefore does not need the IPPC mark, but any solid wood parts, such as lumber runners or blocks, still do.
Plywood used in pallets and crates is usually construction or industrial grade softwood or hardwood plywood rather than decorative panels.
Using HPVA-related standards correctly
- HP-1 grades hardwood and decorative plywood for appearance and construction; it is not a pallet standard.
- Structural softwood plywood is generally made to other standards, such as the US product standard PS 1.
- Pallet design and testing references include ASTM D1185, ISO 8611 and ANSI MH1.
A common mistake is citing HPVA as the authority for hardwood pallet lumber. For lumber grades, look to the relevant grading rules agency, and for pallet strength look to pallet design and test methods.
When buying plywood-decked pallets, specify panel type, thickness and exposure rating.
Authoritative Sources
- Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association (HPVA): the Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly the Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association), the trade association for the hardwood plywood and decorative veneer industry.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HPVA set standards for hardwood pallets?
No. HPVA, now the Decorative Hardwoods Association, focuses on hardwood plywood and decorative veneer. Hardwood pallets are built from solid hardwood lumber, usually lower grade boards and cants, and pallet design and testing rely on tools and standards such as the NWPCA Pallet Design System, ASTM D1185, ISO 8611 and ANSI MH1. Hardwood lumber grading rules are published by the National Hardwood Lumber Association.
Do plywood crates need ISPM-15 treatment?
Plywood itself is exempt from ISPM-15 because it is processed wood. A crate or pallet made only of plywood and other processed wood does not need treatment or the IPPC mark. If the package includes any solid wood thicker than 6 mm, such as lumber skids, cleats or blocks, those parts must be treated and the package marked. Check the destination country's import rules as well, since enforcement details vary.