What Is Meant By “Plantation Grown” Teak?
Indonesians appreciate the economic value of Tectonis Grandis, their native variety of Teak. Tectonis Grandis is considered the finest of the 29 sub-species of Teak. Its natural oil, rubber content, and extraordinary density provide natural protection for the tree – and by extension, for any item made from the tree. For these reasons it is used in ocean-going vessels, and has traditionally been the primary building material in Indonesia. Now that Indonesia has the fourth largest population in the world, Indonesian furniture makers and their government play an active role in protecting this precious resource.
The Indonesian State Forestry Company, a government sponsored entity called PT. Perhutani, certifies plantation-grown Teak and other hardwoods for harvest and export as furniture items. In addition to Teak, Indonesian Mahogany (Toona Sureni) and Suar (Albizia Saman or Monkeypod – a tree originally from South America) are also strictly governed to ensure they are not harvested too soon and that replanting exceeds harvesting to prevent rainforest devastation. Indonesia has the largest Mahogany plantations in the world, with over 460,000 acres, and new trees are planted continuously.