Factory Auditing Report – Film Faced Plywood Manufacturer in Malaysia
Date of Audit: July 10, 2025
Prepared for: U.S. & European Clients
Confidentiality Note: Factory details omitted per NDA agreements.
1. Executive Summary
Our sourcing and QC team conducted an on-site audit of a Malaysian plywood factory specializing in film faced plywood, UV-coated plywood, and birch plywood for U.S./EU markets. The audit focused on compliance with client-specific requirements, production capabilities, and quality control systems. The factory demonstrated adherence to key standards, with minor observations noted for improvement.
2. Factory Overview
- Products:
- Film faced plywood (1250x2500mm, 1525x3050mm; thickness: 2.7mm–19mm).
- UV-coated plywood & birch plywood (for U.S. imports).
- Core Materials: Local Malaysian hardwood species (see Section 5).
- Markets: EU (film faced) & U.S. (birch/UV-coated).
3. Audit Scope & Client Requirements
Key Evaluation Points:
- Production Capacity:
- Verified monthly output (~15,000m³ for film faced plywood).
- Separate lines for film faced/birch plywood to prevent contamination.
- Quality Control:
- Testing lab for glue bond (EN 314-2), moisture content (8–12%), and thickness tolerance (±0.2mm).
- Film adhesion tested per EN 438 (no peeling after 72h boiling).
- Raw Material Sourcing:
- Sustainable sourcing claims (no FSC/PEFC; relies on local suppliers).
- Core veneer species identified (see below).
- Social & Environmental Compliance:
- No child labor; basic safety equipment provided.
- Limited wastewater treatment (improvement recommended).
- Documentation:
- Mill certificates (MOQ, thickness, species) provided.
- No traceability system for non-FSC batches.
4. Findings & Non-Conformities
| Item | Compliance | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Glue bond strength | Pass (EN 314-2) | Phenolic resin used. |
| Thickness consistency | Minor deviations (±0.3mm on 18mm panels). | |
| Film adhesion | Pass (boiling test). | |
| Factory cleanliness | Partially compliant | Dust accumulation in UV line. |
| Traceability | Non-compliant | No batch-level tracking for non-FSC wood. |
5. Local Malaysian Wood Species for Plywood Core
The factory uses these native species for core veneers:
- Meranti (Shorea spp.) – High density, common in Southeast Asia.
- Keruing (Dipterocarpus spp.) – Durable, used for structural cores.
- Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) – Sustainable, post-latex production.
- Nyatoh (Palaquium spp.) – Smooth grain, substitutes meranti.
- Kapur (Dryobalanops spp.) – Insect-resistant, darker color.
Note: Species vary by batch; no endangered species observed.
6. Recommendations
- Implement traceability system for non-FSC materials.
- Upgrade dust extraction in UV-coated production area.
- Provide annual environmental compliance training.
Prepared by: [Your Company Sourcing/QC Team]
Report Date: July 15, 2025
