In the ever-evolving construction landscape, some materials remain familiar companions for decades. Centring plywood is one such material—ubiquitous, practical, and, until recently, unquestioned. But as our world confronts the twin challenges of climate change and resource depletion, the question must be asked:
Is it time to move beyond plywood?
Join us as we examine the leading alternatives to centring sheets, uncovering which ones are truly ready to replace plywood in the next generation of building work.
1. Recycled Plastic Sheets (WoWBoards)
Imagine if the plastic choking our rivers and oceans could be reimagined as a strong, waterproof, and reusable construction sheet. That is the story of WoWBoards, India’s most promising innovation in the world of plastic shuttering.
Why It Matters:
Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic are either dumped into landfills or incinerated. What if even 20% of this waste could be reused in construction? With recycled plastic boards, that possibility is now real.
Strengths:
- Made from recycled plastic sheets, including low-value multilayer plastics (MLP)
- Waterproof and warp-resistant—unlike plywood centring sheets
- Reusable for 40–60+ repetitions
- Smooth concrete finish with reduced plastering
- No releasing agent required
- Fully recyclable at the end of life
Where It Excels:
- Slabs, columns, and retaining walls
- Projects that demand both finish and durability
Verdict:
For projects that require repeated use and a lower total cost of ownership, recycled plastic sheets are emerging as the most eco-conscious and cost-effective alternative. And with every WoWBoard, you aren’t just building structures—you’re building a better planet.
2. Aluminium Formwork
Aluminium shuttering has been the gold standard for high-rise construction and mass housing projects for years.
Strengths:
- Extremely high reusability (50–100 cycles)
- Precision formwork and faster cycle time
- Excellent surface finish
- Works well with modular construction
Limitations:
- Very high initial cost
- Requires skilled labour and specialised handling
- Not suited for one-off or irregular formwork shapes
Verdict:
Aluminium is a great system for large-scale, repetitive layouts. But for medium projects, custom applications, or cost-sensitive markets, it may prove prohibitive.
3. Steel Sheets
Steel, the titan of structural strength, is occasionally used in formwork, especially in circular or curved column works.
Strengths:
- Very high strength and load-bearing capacity
- Good for complex geometries
- Reusable
Limitations:
- Very heavy to handle on-site
- High maintenance to prevent rusting
- Expensive for most centring work
Verdict:
Steel is best reserved for unique, curved structures or specialised tasks, not the everyday centring ply replacement.
4. WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) Sheets
A hybrid material made from wood powder and thermoplastics, WPC sheets have been used in furniture, fencing, and, more recently, formwork.
Strengths:
- Resistant to water and termites
- More stable than wood
- Surface finish better than plywood
Limitations:
- Not as durable as 100% plastic shuttering boards
- Can become brittle under extended UV exposure
Verdict:
WPC is a promising option, but compared to full recycled plastic sheets, it still lags in strength, flexibility, and long-term reuse.
5. Fibreglass Formwork Panels
These high-performance panels are more common in developed markets and specialised concrete applications.
Strengths:
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Long lifecycle
- Very good finish quality
Limitations:
- Expensive and not readily available in India
- Delicate handling required
Verdict:
While technologically sound, fibreglass remains a niche solution in most Indian construction contexts.
The Case Against Plywood
The familiar plywood centring sheet has served us well, but its flaws are increasingly hard to ignore:
- Prone to swelling, bending and delaminating
- Lasts only 5–7 repetitions in most sites
- Requires oiling before every use
- Ends up in landfills, often burned after use
- Sourced from forests—a cost to the environment
Centring Plywood Price vs. Real Cost:
At first glance, the price of a centring ply or sheet may seem lower than its alternatives. However, factors such as short life, high labour, plastering, and rework costs dramatically change the picture.
Why WoWBoards Win: A Planet-Friendly Perspective
What makes WoWBoards stand out isn’t just their strength or waterproofing. It’s the story behind each board.
Every sheet of WoWBoard is made from discarded plastic. Each one prevents over 300 plastic bags from entering our oceans or landfills. Each one tells a construction story that doesn’t destroy, but repairs.
- Available in standard centring sheet sizes
- Competitively priced compared to shuttering plywood and WPC
- Used successfully in slabs, columns, and large-scale retaining walls
What You Save:
- Labour time
- Oiling costs
- Re-plastering expenses
- Trees
- Landfill space
What You Gain:
- Smooth finish
- 50+ repetitions
- Circular economy alignment
- End-of-life recyclability
Conclusion
The era of traditional plywood centring sheets is fading. The future lies in materials that work harder, last longer, and leave behind less waste. Whether you’re a builder, contractor, or a citizen who cares about the world we leave behind, the choice is clear:
Don’t just build. Build responsibly.
The most intelligent alternative for the next generation of formwork isn’t just firmer or smoother. It is sustainable, scalable, and WoWBoards.