Core Plugs
Back to Load Securement and Protection
Core Plugs for Superior Roll Protection
Millwood’s pressed wood core plugs deliver unmatched crush and side impact resistance, protecting valuable rolls of paper, plastic film and metallic foils. Designed for high performance and certified sustainable, these core plugs provide reliable protection at a minimal cost per roll.
High-Performance Core Plug Protection
Our core plugs are engineered from a proprietary blend of hardwood and softwood fibers combined with resin under high heat and pressure. This process creates higher density and greater strength than conventional particle board plugs, ensuring consistent size, shape and superior roll protection. Exceeding industry crush standards, our core plugs help manufacturers reduce costly product damage and operational disruptions.
Core Plug Sizes for Every Application
Millwood supplies core plug sizes from 4” to 12” for roll manufacturers and converters. Designed for precise fit, density and crush resistance, they protect both large and small rolls of paper, plastic film and metallic foils. Our extensive inventory and quick delivery give you the right solution when you need it.
Complex Packaging Needs? No Problem.
- Corner Defender – Reinforces 90° corners and prevents strapping abrasion.
- Edge Defender – Protects edges and strengthens unitization for better stability.
- Notch Defender – Provides durable corner and edge protection for heavy or high-impact loads.
Custom-made to order and 100% recyclable, the Defender Series delivers the protection, strength, and peace of mind your supply chain demands—because at Millwood, we’ve got every corner covered.
Why Choose Millwood As Your Single Source Provider?
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Customer Centric Approach: We collaborate closely with customers, providing personal service and responsive support to meet your unique needs.
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Industry Expertise Since 1985: With over four decades of experience, Millwood understands the complexities of pallet design and supply chain logistics.
- Innovative Design & Testing: Our in house ISTA certified lab and Pallet Design System (PDS) enable tailored, optimized pallet solutions.
- Manufacturing Experts: From sawmilling, resawing, assembly, heat treating and mold prevention, we have the experience and knowledge to serve you.
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Sustainability Commitment: We are committed to efficiency without compromising our environment.
Proven Solutions that Complement our Core Plugs
Millwood Lab
Our ISTA-certified test lab gives customers confidence that their wood pallets and packaging solutions will perform in real-world conditions. By simulating shipping and handling environments, we test, verify, and optimize designs to reduce product damage, minimize waste, and improve supply chain efficiency.
PROVIDING SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS
We’ve hand-picked these products to create a comprehensive solution that complements your damage prevention needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are core plugs used for?
Core plugs protect rolled products such as paper, plastic film and metallic foils from crush damage and side-impact damage during storage, handling and transportation.
Engineered core plugs are inserted into roll ends to preserve integrity and prevent collapse under heavy stacking or impact. Millwood’s molded wood core plugs exceed industry standards for crush resistance, providing consistent performance for roll manufacturers and converters. They safeguard against costly product loss and operational downtime caused by damaged rolls. By combining hardwood and softwood fibers with resin under heat and pressure, these plugs deliver higher density and strength than particle board alternatives, ensuring durability and reliability for shipping, warehousing and converting operations.
What core plug sizes are available?
Core plugs are manufactured in multiple sizes, typically ranging from 4” to 12” diameters, to protect both small and large rolls in different industries.
Millwood offers core plugs engineered for precise fit, density and crush resistance across a wide range of roll types. Smaller plugs, such as 4” or 6”, are suitable for narrow rolls of specialty films or foils, while 8”, 10” and 12” plugs are designed for large industrial paper rolls or wide-format plastic films. By maintaining steady inventory and fast delivery, Millwood ensures roll producers and converters always have the right plug size available. Having multiple diameter options reduces risk of mismatched protection and guarantees consistent strength and roll stability across applications.
Are Millwood core plugs suitable for paper rolls?
Yes—engineered molded wood core plugs are specifically designed for paper rolls, delivering superior density and crush resistance to meet or exceed industry standards.
Paper rolls are highly vulnerable to core damage, which can result in product waste and costly downtime. Millwood’s engineered molded wood core plugs provide unmatched strength and consistency, protecting rolls from compression, side impacts and stacking pressure. These plugs are manufactured under controlled heat and pressure, ensuring uniform density that resists collapse. Their proven performance helps converters and paper mills minimize rejects, improve operational efficiency and meet customer demands for quality assurance. With certified sustainability credentials, they not only protect paper rolls effectively but also align with environmental and supply chain responsibility initiatives.
Are Millwood core plugs sustainable?
Yes—Millwood’s core plugs are Cradle to Cradle® and USDA BioPreferred® certified, offering an eco-friendly, recyclable and responsibly manufactured roll protection solution.
Sustainability is increasingly critical in packaging and industrial supply chains. Millwood’s molded wood core plugs are certified for their renewable material content and responsible manufacturing practices. These certifications provide assurance that the plugs are safe for reuse, recycling and compliance with corporate sustainability programs. Unlike synthetic alternatives, molded wood plugs balance performance with environmental responsibility, offering roll manufacturers a solution that protects products while reducing ecological impact. Choosing certified sustainable core plugs allows companies to demonstrate eco-conscious practices without compromising performance, ensuring both product integrity and compliance with sustainability goals.
How quickly can I receive core plugs?
Core plugs are readily available in the USA with fast delivery, supported by steady inventory and reliable high-volume production capabilities.
Downtime caused by delayed shipments of protective packaging can disrupt operations. Millwood maintains consistent core plug inventory across multiple standard sizes, ensuring fast turnaround for customer orders. Because the plugs are manufactured in the United States, lead times are shortened, and companies benefit from reduced supply chain risk compared to imported alternatives. With dedicated customer service and supply chain expertise, Millwood delivers core plugs when needed, minimizing interruptions for paper mills, converters and film producers. Reliable availability allows customers to focus on production without worrying about shortages or delays in essential roll protection products.
