Today, the environmental aspect of any product has clearly become a concern for consumers. Responsible manufacturing techniques, with consideration for environmental issues, are having a growing effect on consumer purchasing decisions. Products built using ecologically sound materials, like ThermoForest products, will help manufacturers meet the demands of consumers.

The green factor will impress even the most ardent environmentalists. Thermoforest’s "eco-dryer" follows strict environmental policies. No chemicals are added in our environmentally responsible process. Great strides have been made in terms of reduced fuel consumption and waste recovery. Wood waste recovered from finishing has been studied extensively by Lakehead University where it has been determined to be a valuable resource for pelletized fuel with highly advantageous BTU values over standard wood waste products.

“We’ve found that thermowood products display increased thermal properties when compared to control products. This suggests that all thermowood waste will be a high value product for industries such as pellet fuel manufacturers or other energy producers. It means that what is considered a clean process can be even cleaner when even the waste is a high value product”, said Dr. Mat Leitch.

The many benefits provided by the products are as significant as the technology itself. Food sources for mold and insects are significantly reduced and the natural stresses of twist and warp are almost eliminated. The resistance to water penetration and absorption is substantially improved as is the aesthetic value.

And because the ThermoForest process improves the quality of any wood, underutilized species suddenly become highly desirable for commercial manufacturing, thereby improving forest management practices.

Independent test results show our process actually enhances and strengthens wood at the cellular level, unlike competitive processes that typically produce cellular collapse. Scientific reports confirm the unique results achieved by our highly developed, energy efficient and environmentally sound process to improve wood in a variety of ways.

Lakehead Universities Wood Science department confirm:
  1. Aside from the obvious removal of moisture, the process “breaks down” and minimizes the sugars that rot fungi, mold and insects feed on.
  2. What may be unique to the ThermoForest process (especially considering the reduced temperatures and cook times), are the important transformations that occur within the wood’s cellular level. While only evident through microscopic analysis, these changes make a dramatic and significant contribution to the looks and performance of ThermoForest products. Findings confirm that a process of “reinforcement and compression occurs within the hemi-cellulose fraction of the cell wall. This is a drastic departure from other thermal treatment processes, which typically result in structurally damaging, cellular collapse”.

    The fact that the woods’ cellular walls are enhanced contributes directly to the products strength, dimensional stability and structural integrity. The resulting preservative and preventative qualities are equal to chemically treated lumber, but with drastically improved stability.

  3. In addition to the highly visible and dramatic aesthetic benefits, heat-treating increases wood’s durability, improves its ability to resist moisture, and increases its R-value (insulation factor is improved by as much as 30%) important in window and door applications. These same attributes make it the ideal product for external cladding and garden furniture.

  4. ThermoForest products are able to resist the swelling, shrinking, and warping that typically occurs in common lumber products.

    Thermowood’s durability and moisture resistance provide a clear advantage, making it far more versatile for use in outdoor applications such as decks, docks, furniture, window and doors.

    ThermoForest hardwoods are well suited for use indoors as well. The same stability, improved surface hardness, and warm, rich colours make them ideal for use in kitchen cabinetry, furniture, wall paneling, and flooring.

  5. Heat-treating produces wood with qualities only old age can usually provide. Its low moisture content and resulting stability provides highly sought after qualities including, lighter weight, increased rigidity, and balanced tonality that contributes to superior sound quality for use in musical instruments.