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future goal of using biomass to fuel the kilns.”


Using its current kilning approach, he added, Abodo’s thermally treated timber has still sequestered twice as much carbon per kg than is emitted in the production process and in transporting the finished product to Europe.


“Radiata pine is very efficient at sequestering carbon, absorbing 20 tonnes per hectare per year compared to Siberian larch’s 1.4 tonnes per hectare,” said Mr Marshall. “We acknowledge that, for carbon footprint reasons, there is a growing trend to local sourcing of materials, but with our products, you can have a product that is sustainably sourced, durable and still carbon [positive] when you ship it halfway around the world.” Moreover, he added, “Abodo’s products are


backed by an EPD validating its carbon and wider environmental profile since 2018.” Besides being class 1 (EN350-1) and naturally durable, Abodo’s timber has enhanced dimensional stability. Comprising clear pruned radiata, it gives knot-free long lengths, and its thermal properties are also improved by 20%, achieving a lamda value of 0.095W/(mK).


“That adds to its value for door and window-making and compares with 0.12 for acetylated pine and 0.16 for sapele,” said Mr Marshall.


The wood is a homogenous brown through its thickness. “It can be left uncoated, in which case it will silver off quickly,” said Mr Marshall. “But it is also ideal for coating with opaque and pigmented finishes, with the removal of 60kg/m3


of extractives during


thermal modification minimising risk of bleed-through.”


Abodo’s timber is marketed and supplied in two variants, Vulcan-Flat Sawn and Vulcan- Vertical Grain. The former is as described and sold in 25mm/32mm/38mm/50mm thicknesses, in a variety of widths between 100mm-200mm. Vulcan-Vertical Grain is a laminated engineered product comprising typically of


five or six lamellas. Main stocked sizes are 146x147mm or 192x200mm. “For Vulcan-Vertical Grain, we take the flat sawn timber and face laminate it into blocks, which we resaw through the glue lines to create the finished engineered vertical grain material,” said Mr Marshall. “It’s our flagship product, giving enhanced dimensional stability – 2% tangential swell, as against 3-4% for flat sawn timber. It’s also less prone to checking. It was developed initially to rival old growth western red cedar and customers are drawn by the vertical grain aesthetic.”


In terms of price point, Vulcan-Flat Sawn is described as “sitting close to the likes of sapele” and Vulcan-Vertical Grain “to the likes of Accoya”.


Abodo initially targeted exterior feature products markets, with its timber proving particularly popular for cladding and decking, but also for pergolas, fencing and other garden products. Around 10 years ago it started to be taken up by joinery producers too, particularly Vulcan-Vertical Grain, and it has gained momentum in the market since. “Joinery users comment on the dimensional stability,” said Mr Marshall. “Given that the thermal process reduces the density from 480kg/m3


to 420kg/m3 , it is also easy to


handle. Joiners have to take account of the lower density in working the timber, but they report that it machines beautifully using the correct tooling sharpness, cutter and grinder angles. We recommend use of freshly ground knives at 20° with the result that less sanding and prep work is required after machining.” Abodo’s Vulcan timber first came on to the UK market about 10 years ago. Glenalmond became a distributor targeting the cladding, decking and other outdoor products markets, while Russwood became Abodo’s architectural partner.


Abodo now sees significant opportunity for growing momentum in the country. Mr Marshall, who moved to New Zealand from the UK aged 10 with his family and has


worked for Abodo for five years, moved back to become UK area manager mid-2024. “My role is to provide technical support and educate architects, builders and end users with any issues and to help them out on the ground. We’re not just offering a product, but day-to-day back-up for it too.”


In another strategic move, in 2023 Abodo signed a distribution agreement with Timbmet too, with a particular focus on the joinery market.


“The UK joinery sector is pretty hardwood


heavy, but we are getting a lot of positive feedback about our products, particularly for use for windows and exterior doors, but also interior applications,” said Mr Marshall. Abodo is also supporting its distributors with pull-through marketing.


“For instance, we are providing monthly CPD webinars for architects, providing an educational platform to share ideas about product use and to generate brand awareness,” said Mr Marshall.


Abodo is positive about its prospects in the UK and the wider international market – it also exports to mainland Europe, Australia, Asia and the US.


“The construction sector is increasingly looking to use more wood to reduce its carbon footprint and it’s looking for a sustainable, durable timber that delivers high performance low environmental-impact products,” said Mr Marshall.


Another reason for optimism, he added, is that New Zealand radiata pine is set to become more abundant still, with the plantation sector engaged in research to boost forest yield. The target is to increase it from 28m3


/ha per year to 40m3 /ha by


2040, by using the same existing 6% land mass and focusing on planting the right trees in the right place and “optimising the forests”.


Abodo has its own plans for growth too. “We currently have four kilns and are producing 30,000m3


of rough sawn timber


a year,” said Mr Marshall. “The target is to double that output in four years.” ■


TIMBMET CONFIDENT IN ABODO


Timbmet managing director Nigel Cox said the company took on distribution of Abodo’s Vulcan sawn and laminated thermally modified timber after being impressed by both its technical and environmental performance. “Abodo’s technical knowledge, supported by test evidence, gave us confidence in a product offering an alternative


to a red hardwood product,” he said. “The material also has strong environmental credentials. It’s ethically sourced, low carbon and all FSC certified.” Abodo’s products, he added, have the benefit of a strong support team in the UK and New Zealand. Working with them, Timbmet is targeting the range of markets and customers. “Architects and other specifiers are being met to promote the products’ credentials and joinery section sizes are being targeted to companies for a range of uses including window, door, general joinery and gate manufacture,” said Mr Cox. “The full range is available to merchants, including sawn timber or vertical grain block cladding, which is also being targeted at installers and end users.” ■


www.ttjonline.com | January/February 2025 | TTJ


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