First, CUTEK® oils penetrate deeply into wood to protect from the effects of moisture and improve the service life of timber. With CUTEK® protection oils, timber lasts longer in the built environment. This minimises the frequency of timber replacement and felling of trees.

Secondly, we are always looking for ways to minimise our manufacturing carbon footprint. CUTEK® products are often manufactured with the use of high-grade recycled raw materials which decreases waste streams and incinerations. CUTEK® also recycles many other manufacturing materials such as pallets, drums and cardboard. This leads to a significant reduction in waste and reduces raw material requirements, indirectly reducing natural resource requirements.

Thirdly, CUTEK® is committed to formulating products with lower VOCs that also retain their performance characteristics. Broadly speaking volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are organic chemical compounds whose composition makes it possible for them to evaporate under normal atmospheric conditions of temperature and pressure. Lower VOC products, not only are more environmentally friendly, but provide better value to the user as more product is retained in the timber rather than evaporating to the environment.

At CUTEK®, we take sustainability seriously.

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So, what is the CUTEK® difference?

The problem with traditional coatings

Examining the issue with traditional coatings will help to explain why CUTEK® is so different.

When first applied to timber, traditional coatings look good on the surface. However they have a common weakness. Exposure to the elements, including harsh UV rays and rain will cause damage to timber over time.

 1. Traditional coatings sit on the top of the timber

2. UV rays break down the coating and cause it to peel leaving the timber exposed.

3. When it rains, moisture gets in causing the timber to swell.

4. The timber then shrinks in the sun.

After exposure to the elements, the wood cracks, splits, warps and rots. Re-coating with a traditional product will cause the cycle to repeat itself and your timber installation won’t last.

‘The CUTEK® Difference’

CUTEK® wood finishes work differently to traditional wood protection products. Instead of sitting on the surface of the timber, the oils diffuse deeply into the wood to protect it from the inside out.

CUTEK® oil penetrates deeply into the timber and repels water.

The timber stays better protected for longer in all weather conditions.

CUTEK® stays mobile inside the wood – if you can add a fastener or cut the timber it will self-heal.

CUTEK®’s unique formula has been developed by our team of experts to keep timber more stable over time. You can protect your investment and enjoy the beautiful look of your timber installation for much longer.

The CUTEK® difference: timber that stands the test of time.

Our wood protection system is proven and chosen by industry professionals time and again.  Use CUTEK® for your next project to experience ‘The CUTEK® Difference’ for yourself.

Watch ‘The CUTEK® Difference’ video.

The post What is ‘The CUTEK® Difference’? appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

Furthermore, as timber grows it extracts carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.  Most of this carbon remains stored in the wood long after it is used.

Timber can certainly be an eco-conscious choice over other building materials. However, there are some additional requirements that need to be fulfilled to achieve a coveted Green Star sustainability rating.

Purchase timber from a sustainable source

Sustainable timber is wood that is planted, grown and harvested responsibly following strict codes of practice.

When sourcing timber for a Green Star project, a fully certified chain of custody is critical.

According to Timber Queensland, certified timber suppliers demonstrate:

• A commitment to planning and monitoring
• Adherence to laws and rights to the land
• Consideration of indigenous, community and worker rights, values and benefits
• Protection of environmental and ecological values
• Assurance of ongoing forest yields.

The three most common forest certification systems in Australia are:

• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
• Australian Forestry Standard AS4708 (AFS)
• Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC)

‘Look for these logos when purchasing your timber’

Certified suppliers can be found or verified by using the search databases published on the relevant scheme’s website.

 Environment-friendly timber protection products

After going to the trouble to source sustainable wood, it is important that the timber oil or wood protector used are also environmentally friendly.

What are VOCs and why are they harmful?

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. A vapour is given off by chemical compounds present in paints, sealant for wood, adhesives, primers, cleaning agents and other chemical-based finishes and wood coatings.

Specify low VOC products

Using a specialist Timber Protection product such as CUTEK® LowVOC is a must for achieving a Green Star project.

If part of a timber installation is to be painted or adhesive is required, the materials specified should also be low VOC.

Pursue a Green Star rating today

For a timber installation to be truly sustainable and achieve a Green Star rating, it is critical to source certified timber and use eco-friendly protection products on the wood.

Contact us to discuss how CUTEK®’s LowVOC timber oil can help you to achieve a Green Star project.

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