BY FATIHAH MANAF

As a result , many companies in the industry encounter significant supply chain obstacles in their quest to obtain sustainably-sourced , high-quality wood . This is where Avant Wood offers a unique solution with its innovative wood modification technology , which enhances the durability of wood and increases its resistance to pests and fungi .

Matthias Gelber , a member of the advisory board and brand ambassador for Avant Wood , explained that their innovative wood modification technology involved using a kiln that contains aluminium plates between each layer of wood . Through this process , moisture is efficiently removed from the wood through pressure .

ENHANCING WOOD ’ S DURABILITY

Gelber emphasised that their process is more efficient than conventional drying methods that rely solely on heat and electricity , as it squeezes out the moisture first . Using aluminium plates also allows for faster and more efficient thermal modification , which enhances the durability of the wood .

“ Our wood modification technology can effectively prevent the warping and cupping of wood , particularly in challenging species such as eucalyptus and acacia . These types of wood are difficult to dry due to their high internal tension and small diameter . Through the use of our aluminium plates , we can apply pressure to the wood to prevent breakage or deformation . This , in turn , allows us to conduct thermal modification to enhance the wood ’ s durability ,” Gelber explained .

Avant Wood sources its Revotropix Paulownia wood from Green Afforestation International Network Sdn Bhd ( Gain Green ), an integrated tree plantation company . Gain-Green ’ s innovative and sustainable biomass growth approach enables harvesting a superfastgrowing wood species in as early as four years .

Despite Paulownia ’ s known lightness , Avant Wood ’ s advanced wood modification technology enhances its mechanical properties . It increases its density , resulting in a wood that exhibits the strength and durability of one that has been growing for decades .

THE MASS TIMBER REVOLUTION

The mass timber revolution is underway as people recognise the urgent need to decarbonise the construction industry .

Traditional building materials like cement and steel release vast amounts of carbon dioxide during production , making it necessary to shift towards nature-based , carbon-sequestering materials such as wood , bamboo , and other sustainable solutions .

“ With wood , we already have the solid pieces of the wood planks . Ecopeneer and Avant Wood are well positioned to scale this up ,” Gelber highlighted .

He said the production of fast-growing timber species - Paulownia , could be harvested and replanted on unproductive lands like old rubber or palm oil plantations .

“ Even in remote locations , we can use the land and soil for an incredibly fast carbon sink and sequestration process . With Avant Wood ’ s technology , we can use small-diameter timber and turn it into incredibly high-performance , durable material .”

He mentioned a case study of a restaurant in Finland called The Löyly , where small-diameter pine was used for cladding and decking , which was densified and profiled for dimensional stability . The solid surface of the wood was improved for surface hardness and glued in an overlapping way .

Despite scepticism from locals who believed the wood would crack and deform , the wood has lasted for eight years without needing replacement . Gelber emphasised that turning small-diameter timber into furniture or building material that lasts for 20-30 years or longer sequesters carbon in the long term .

“ Ecopeneer and Avant Wood are a perfect combination because together we can achieve an optimised output .”

The Löyly .

Matthias Gelber

PARTICIPATING IN LIGNA 2023

According to Gelber , Avant Wood will highlight its technology ’ s benefits at LIGNA 2023 and showcase the potential to transform small-diameter and undervalued wood species into high-performance end wood products .

Gelber stated : “ We will be displaying Malaysian Paulownia that has been treated with our thermal modification and densification process , and how beautiful it is as decking or cladding material . It is very nice and lightweight . It will be a huge opportunity to promote it in the European market .”

“ We want to promote our technology as the innovative solution for undervalued fast-growing wood species , including those overlooked due to colour , lack of durability , or being light species . In Europe , poplar species are typically only used for lowvalue applications , like wood pallets for industrial use , with a low-profit margin . However , with our technology , we want to concentrate on creating higher value products with better margins ,” he elaborated .

He noted that globally , there is an issue in the timber sector with low yield , as only 50 to 60 per cent of the wood is typically used in end products , and sometimes even as low as 40 per cent .

Gelber mentioned that through recent testing with African Msasa wood ( also known as Zebra Wood ), they could turn sapwood into high-quality cladding or decking material with superior surface performance , demonstrating Avant Wood ’ s ability to increase the yield from forest plantations by up to 80 per cent . This not only helps keep more carbon out of the atmosphere but also enhances the profitability of their customers . •