The teak used in Bocabolo products is grown on government owned and managed plantations of east Java, Indonesia. Perhutani, the government entity in charge of all Indonesian forest products, understands how vital the teak resource is to the Indonesian economy and carefully maintains these valuable forests in a sustainable manner. Generally trees are grown to about 24”diameter (25-50 years, depending on regional growing conditions), then harvested and replanted. Bocabolo teak is purchased from the eastern plantations of Java, which have drier climates, slower growing conditions, and thus closer and tighter grained teak. This teak is a stronger, more beautiful wood. We use grade A/B teak, which means there will be some wavy grain and some small knots, but this allows about 15% more utilization of the teak tree than does A grade only. When using only A grade wood, more of the tree is sold off to secondary uses, which do not use the wood as efficiently. The wavy grain and occasional small knots do not diminish the strength or longevity of the wood, and in fact, is visually more interesting.
Forest Stewardship Certification (FSC) is available on teak grown in other regions of Indonesia, but those regions have wetter climates and faster growing seasons, which means wider grain and more of a chance of splitting or cracking. All teak used in Bocabolo products is kiln-dried to a moisture content that is suitable for use in the drier North American climate, without splitting or cracking.
The aluminum components of Bocabolo products are either cast or extruded. The cast portions (about 85% of all components) utilize 100% recycled aluminum. We select particular types of salvaged aluminum which have a higher malleable content, allowing for stronger furniture frames.
The Bocabolo products that have woven fiber components rather than teak, utilize Polypeel. Polypeel is a synthetic material made from HDPE (polyethylene) and has the positive attributes listed below, as well as being very comfortable, reducing the need for cushions.
Polypeel qualities:
- 100% recyclable.
- Highly durable - meaning a long useful life without replacement.
- Highly flexible and high tensile strength.
- Non-toxic
- Resistant to UV rays, temperature fluctuations and harsh weather.
- Extruded material with color throughout material – meaning smudge and fade proof.
- Resistant to mildew, insects and rotting.
- Easily maintained – can be scrubbed with warm water and mild soap.
All cartonbox material used in Bocabolo external shipping cartons is made from recycled paper products. No bleaching is used in the carton box process.
