How to Avoid Conflict Timbers With Sustainable, Ethical Alternatives

With Western Red Cedar prices increasing, cheaper alternatives such as Siberian Larch will often begin to appear quite tempting. However, despite the perceived savings for clients, there are more ethical and longer lasting alternatives on the market, such as Abodo Vulcan and Tundra.

Most Siberian Larch is imported from Russia, which has the potential for environmental and ethical flow-on effects.

In fact, the Boards of both Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) International have stated that any products made from timbers deriving from this area be deemed ‘conflict timber’ and therefore unable to be traded as FSC® certified products, and ineligible for PEFC certification until the conflict ends.

Forests are not only impacted by conflict but also by the loss of old growth trees. It has been proven that old growth trees, like those used for a good deal of Larch cladding, do important work in creating biodiverse environments, providing habitats for wildlife (including the endangered Siberian tiger), regenerating forests and cleaning the air. While the FSC® and PEFC does certify some forests in Siberia, where much of this timber is harvested, many have little in the way of environmental protection.

To avoid the risk of removing an old growth tree from a biodiverse forest - Abodo’s Vulcan and Tundra products are a great, ethical alternative to using Larch. Like Siberian Larch - and unlike Nordic timbers - Vulcan Cladding is available in a clear, knot-free grade.

As the timber is thermally modified with a vertical grain pattern, it is more stable than Larch, which can cup and warp in adverse conditions.

Often used for shiplap cladding or in weatherboard form, Larch has a pleasant creamy brown tone and is often enjoyed for its rustic appearance.

This compares well to Abodo Tundra, which is created from New Zealand plantation Douglas Fir heartwood derived from the harsh environment of the central plateau region of the North Island.

With knotty features and defects, it has a similar appearance to Larch, but without the added ethical dilemma.

It is also an Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified product, making it a sustainable and ecologically sound choice for New Zealand homes.