Teak and Sustainable Teak Wood Production

The teak industry and our commitment to sustainability

At the Catalina Trading Company, we are committed to sustainability of a product we rely on for our livelihood, the teak tree. Tectona grandis, or Teak, is an exotic hardwood from the family Verbenaceae. It is a deciduous tree that grows primarily in the dry, hilly terrain common to Southeast Asia. Indonesia's teak plantations were originally planted by the Dutch in the early 1800's, and since has become a primary source for this beautiful and versatile wood. The native teak tree has been threatened due to the over-harvesting of virgin teak wood through the years. Catalina Trading Company is very aware of this problem, and takes measures to ensure that we do not become part of it. The teak and ironwood that are used for furniture making in our facilities are harvested from sustainable plantations or reclaimed from other uses.

In Java Indonesia, the government enforces strict standards when it comes to the numbers of trees harvested each year, as well as the replanting of these trees, in order to sustain the productivity of these forests for generations to come. It has become a high quality crop that is a very valuable source of income for the locals. Thousands of people are able to find regular employment in this industry. You can feel good about enjoying this majestic wood furniture in your home, knowing that it is crafted from a reliably managed resource



Reclaimed materials

Teak and Ironwood that were previously used for railroad ties and building construction in Indonesia are brought back to life in our facilities. In the true style of sustainability, these exotic hardwoods are renovated and reclaimed in our mills, and crafted into the timeless furniture you see in our online catalog. When you purchase a piece of quality furniture hewn from reclaimed Teak or Ironwood, or Plantation Teak, you can feel satisfied in knowing that you have just contributed to sustainability at its finest. After this fine wood has served its purpose in industry, it will grace your home in the form of distinctive furniture for generations.