The EU’s new general product safety regulation (GPSR), which came into effect on 13 December 2024, sets stricter requirements for consumer products and increases oversight. For UPM, this is nothing new, as the quality and product safety of WISA plywood have always been a priority.
“Quality always comes first for us. We want our customers to trust that our products are made from responsibly sourced materials that comply with regulations, and that they are safe to use and perform as expected,” says UPM Plywood’s Product Management and Development Director Sami Uuksulainen.
To ensure this, UPM closely monitors product quality throughout the entire value chain, from sourcing raw materials to end use.
Proven quality you can trust
WISA plywood is manufactured to the highest quality and environmental standards as part of UPM’s commitment to quality, safety and environmental responsibility.
Due to consistent quality and responsible production, all products manufactured at UPM’s mills meet the requirements of the ISO 9001 quality system and the ISO 14001 environmental system.
The wood used in WISA plywood comes from responsibly managed forests and is fully traceable. UPM Plywood’s chain of custody system is in accordance with FSC™ (FSC C009856)- ja PEFC (PEFC/02-31-112) -standards.
Other raw materials, such as adhesives and other chemicals, undergo a strict approval process before being used to ensure their safety.
CE+ marking demonstrates that the products meet the relevant safety and performance requirements of the EU’s construction products regulation (CPR), making WISA plywood suitable for construction projects across Europe. The majority of WISA plywood also meets strict emission standards, including M1 and E1 classifications, ensuring it is safe for indoor use.
The quality of products and processes is ensured through continuous testing and audits. WISA plywood is designed to perform reliably and consistently in its intended applications, regardless of which UPM mill produced it.
Supporting customers – even after purchase
At UPM, customer support doesn’t end with product delivery, instead it continues throughout the entire life cycle of the product. UPM provides comprehensive instructions, documentation and practical advice at wisaplywood.com to ensure that essential information is always within easy reach.
In addition, UPM’s knowledgeable staff is ready to assist with any questions, whether they concern product use, safety or technical details.
“When it comes to product safety, it’s always important to consult a professional if something is unclear,” Uuksulainen reminds. “It’s important to us that you feel confident and supported now and in the future.”
New regulation, familiar principles
The EU’s new GPSR harmonizes product oversight, clarifies safety requirements and strengthens risk assessment procedures. It also reinforces consumer protection by increasing information obligations for sellers and requiring clear reporting channels.
“GPSR introduces new obligations, but we’ve always prioritized product safety and ensured that our products comply with all regulations and are safe to use,” says Uuksulainen.
“The regulation is a good chance to reassess processes, and we’ve made sure our products are fully compliant,” Uuksulainen adds.
Read: UPM Position statement on the Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on General Product Safety