How Sustainable is Rubberwood?
Rubberwood is considered a sustainable and eco-friendly material, owning to its unique characteristics and method of harvest. At KIKI & SEBBY®, we value sustainability and hence, it is important that we used sustainable wood in the manufacturing of our new SBROUT®.
Rubberwood comes from the rubber tree, which are mostly grown in the Southeast Asia with tropical climate. Rubberwood is a byproduct of the rubber industry, as the rubber tree is primarily grown for its latex sap, which is used to produce rubber. Once the trees have reached the end of their latex production cycle (around 25 to 30 years), they are cut down and the wood is typically used for furniture, flooring and other products, making it a sustainable choice for consumers who are concerned about the environment.
Here are a few reasons why rubberwood is considered to be a sustainable material:
Utilisation of a waste product: Since rubberwood is a byproduct of the rubber industry, utilising it for furniture production is a way to repurpose what would otherwise be a waste product.
Fast-growing trees: Rubber trees are considered fast growing. Once harvested at the end of the latex production cycle (every 25-30 years), a new crop being planted. This means that rubberwood is a renewable resource that can be harvested in a way that doesn’t hurt natural forests.
Carbon sequestration: As rubber trees grow, they take in carbon dioxide from the air. This helps mitigate the effects of climate change.
Less environmental impact: As a fast-growing tree that reaches maturity in just 25 to 30 years, compared to oak or maple which can take up to 100 years to mature. Because rubberwood grows so quickly, it requires less time and energy to produce the same amount of wood as other species.
In addition to being a sustainable choice, rubberwood is also a durable and attractive material that is well-suited for furniture production. It has a tight, uniform grain and a light color that can be stained or painted to suit a variety of design styles.
In short, rubberwood is generally thought to be a sustainable material because it comes from a renewable source, grows quickly, and has a low impact on the environment. But, like any other natural resource, it’s important to make sure it’s harvested in a responsible way and managed in a way that doesn’t harm the environment. We are proud to be able to share with you that we take this incredibly seriously.