Sustainability on a Red


Grandis® scale By Simon Fineman, CEO Timbmet


FSC Pure Red Grandis is also a positive example of how a new plantation-grown species can benefit commercial customers, consumers and the planet in terms of


sustainability, natural durability, ease of use and continuity of supply.


What is Red Grandis and how is it used? A high-grade clear timber delivering consistency of appearance, grain and workability, Red Grandis – or Eucalyptus grandis, to give it its scientific name – is most often used in the production of internal mouldings, including skirting, architrave and thresholds, furniture, cabinets and exterior cladding profiles, as well as within the window and door frame industry.


Simon Fineman is a life-long environmentalist with a passion for sustainability. As CEO of Timbmet, one of Europe’s leading timber distributors, he oversees a company committed to responsible trading and ethical standards. That’s why Timbmet has recently chosen Red Grandis®, a Forest Stewardship Council certified (FSC®) red hardwood as a legal and sustainable alternative to uncertified Meranti and Sapele, as Fineman explains.


The timber has undergone independent third-party testing by TRADA Technology Limited and Building Research Establishment, achieving impressive results for natural durability and resistance to fungi - key for long-term performance - as well as Class D35 for strength and stiffness, and Class C35 for density to prove its suitability for joinery and structural use.


With nearly 70 years in the timber business, Timbmet owes its strong green credentials in large part to the vision of its founder, Ludwig Kemp, who had a passion for wood as a raw material. From sourcing, purchasing and kilning to storage, selection and delivery, the company is always on the lookout for timber grown and harvested with the long term health of the environment in mind.


How is Red Grandis grown? During the plantation growing process, intensive pruning is carried out to provide a knot-free, clear, uniform timber with sapling thinning to enable the trees to reach significant diameters. Because it is easy to machine and shape and because all lengths are identical, there is less waste, substantially limiting potential landfill use and subsequent damage to the environment.


Were he alive today, Kemp would approve of the latest addition to the product portfolio. Given the ever increasing global demands on timber as a natural resource, South American Red Grandis offers an environmentally friendly alternative to Meranti and Sapele, and Timbmet has been appointed exclusive UK distributor.


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With an annual growth rate of 3.4 metres in height and 25mm in diameter, this red hardwood can grow to 60 metres high, with mature trees available after just 23 years, ensuring a reliable continuity of supply for years to come.


What is Timbmet’s source of Red Grandis? Timbmet works closely with Urufor, a Uruguay-based forestry company, which shares the same ethical and environmental values and which is committed to growing and marketing high quality Eucalyptus grandis. The


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