Seringa trees produce natural latex. Latex is used to make tires, medical and other scientific products. Natural latex can absorb and release moisture. Today, how the process is managed from latex to flooring is a positive environmental story. Here are the ways this wood is truly eco-friendly:

Carbon-capturing on a massive and increasing scale

Trees store carbon, a powerful tool in the effort to combat climate change. The demand for latex means that, at any time, millions of acres of these trees are growing and capturing carbon. Seringa is planted at around 300 trees per acres creating a dense cover. The trees mature quickly enabling a never-ending cycle of planting, harvesting, and replanting. As demand has increased, more acres have been added to the Seringa plantations.

Supporting small farms and communities

For over 100 years, Seringa has been planted by hand in Indonesia predominately on small plantations, thus providing incomes for millions of families.

Using what once was wasted

At roughly 5 years of age, the Seringa trees are tapped by hand and latex collected into buckets, much as you would see maple sugar harvested. Production peaks at around 15 years. At 30 years, the trees stop producing latex and are harvested to make room for young seedlings. Previously, the wood was burned as firewood or to make charcoal which released the stored carbon. Today, its color, ability to hold stain, grain patterns, and strength have made this wood an environmentally sustainable choice for flooring and furniture.

Recyclable

At the end of its use, wood flooring can be recycled and once again find a new use.

Seringa is a good choice for today’s consumer who is looking for eco-friendly products. It helps fight global warming, supports individual farmers as it produces latex for years, and then becomes fine wood products which can eventually be recycled.