DAIKEN Launches New Sustainable Wood Board Prototype 'DIO woodcore' Aiming for North American Market Expansion

DAIKEN Unveils New Sustainable Wood Board Prototype 'DIO woodcore'

DAIKEN, a company based in Osaka, Japan, has announced the completion of a prototype for their highly anticipated sustainable wood-based board, the 'DIO woodcore.' Developed by its North American subsidiary, DAIKEN North America Ltd. (DNAL), this innovative new material aims to resolve several issues associated with traditional plywood flooring while preparing for an expansion in the North American market.

The official unveiling of the 'DIO woodcore' took place during a flooring exhibition in the United States this past April, where it garnered exceptional feedback from attendees. With an expected production start date in April 2026, the product is set for release into the North American marketplace, reflecting a strategic move to enhance the company’s presence in the region.

Unique Features of 'DIO woodcore'

DAIKEN's new wood-based board stands out due to its impressive strength and sustainability features that are unprecedented in the industry. It demonstrates high bending strength and screw-holding capacity comparable to plywood, making it especially suitable for flooring applications. Alongside those attributes, its smooth surface quality enhances its craftability, making it a top choice for various construction and design uses in the market.

Only Canadian sourced wood is used in the production of 'DIO woodcore'. This method not only promotes the sustainable cycle of wood utilization but also champions a local production model by processing materials in Canada to meet the demands of the North American market—essentially making it a sustainable, locally sourced alternative.

The 'DIO woodcore' was showcased with a visual representation of its usage as a flooring base material, highlighting the board's potential to address market demands effectively.

Upcoming Exhibitions

DAIKEN is set to display the new wood board 'DIO woodcore' at its upcoming 80th Anniversary Fair, scheduled for June in Tokyo and July in Osaka. This will mark the first presentation of the new board in Japan, and all interested parties are warmly invited to witness the world’s first prototype of this groundbreaking wood material.

- Event Schedule

Tokyo Venue: June 4-5, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Tokyo International Forum
Osaka Venue: July 9-10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Grand Cube Osaka (Osaka Prefectural International Conference Hall)

Background

Facing a slowdown in the domestic new housing market, DAIKEN is prioritizing overseas expansion, especially in the North American region. This market holds significant potential due to its status as the world’s largest wood housing market. In recent years, DAIKEN has shifted focus from standard MDF products to a wider variety of wood materials, further accelerating its market entry in North America. Notably, in 2022, DAIKEN strengthened its position in this area by acquiring companies involved in veneer and laminated wood production—CIPA in Canada and PWT in the United States.

The establishment of DNAL has enabled DAIKEN to produce low-pressure melamine boards while conducting extensive trials for the new wood material, leading to the recent completion of the 'DIO woodcore' prototype. With its excellent dimensional stability, stiffness, and smooth, uniform coloration, the product showcases all the necessary properties for a viable alternative to traditional plywood in various applications.

The positive response during the April 16-17 'NWFA Expo' in North Carolina, one of the largest wood flooring industry exhibitions, further confirmed the strength, water resistance, and sustainability of 'DIO woodcore' as a flooring base material—a designated standout in the competitive landscape.

By focusing on a localized production model that utilizes local resources, DAIKEN not only enhances the sustainability of their projects but also aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly building materials. As the company continues to refine and market the 'DIO woodcore', they remain committed to innovating within the wood material sector and expanding their market footprint in North America.