Ending the Use of Lauan Tropical Plywood for Theatrical and Movie Set Construction

View our Safe Sets™ Overview for printing and distributing.


One of the largest uses of tropical plywood — called lauan — in the U.S. is for set construction for theatrical productions, movies and tv shows.

Rainforest Relief has begun working with producers, directors, actors and set builders to begin to assist the theatre, movie and television industries to reduce the use of lauan and shift to more environmentally preferable alternatives.

Rainforest Relief has teamed with Environmental Media Association, an organization based in Los Angeles, that is working to end the use of lauan in movie productions. To see the press release, click here.

Alternatives with potential include sheets made from agricultural residues such as wheat and rice straw, sheets made from recycled paper and plywood made from birch, bamboo and palm wood.

Rainforest Relief has certified a number of productions as Rainforest Safe™ and is seeking the participation of anyone involved in set building or theatrical, movie or television production.

If you are involved in theatre or movie production or if your school, college or university has a theatre and you would like to find out more about reducing the use of lauan, contact us.

Click the links to the right or below for more information.

Alternatives to Lauan Plywood

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