Alu- Timber Sustainable Strategy

All of the components within Alu-Timber are sourced with the key directive of minimising both waste in their production and their impact on the environment. There are four main elements of Alu-Timbers sustainable strategy

1. Sustainably Sourced Timber

All engineered timbers (Larch, Redwood, Eucalyptus) are farmed from sustainable managed forests compliant with FSC, PEFC accreditations. However, the cut timber is still a valuable resource and its use must be maximised. With this in mind engineered timbers create minimal wastage. The timber is selected at three different lengths 300mm, 1200mm and 1800mm and finger jointed together to the desired length; this ensures that more of the timber can be used. The timber is laminate bonded together with formaldehyde free polyurethane adhesives and a water soluble environmentally friendly lacquer is applied which is fully comparable with natural wood. If solid timbers, such as Oak, are required, certification from PEFC or FSC ensures the responsible farming and re-planting strategies are used.

2. Aluminium Longevity

Aluminium provides durability, is corrosion resistant and has a high strength to weight ratio meaning that less can be used to create the desired profile. Aluminium is produced from Bauxite, one of the most abundant minerals in the earth’s crust. Sustainability concerns are alleviated by the knowledge that we have at least 300 years of known reserves of Bauxite, and this does not allow for the fact that 75% of all aluminium used in construction is from recycled sources. With an ever increasing proportion of re-cycled material in use, aluminium can be accurately described as the ultimate sustainable material. Producing aluminium is an energy intensive procedure. However, two-thirds of the energy required to extract aluminium is supplied by environmentally friendly, hydroelectric power. Aluminium is polyester powder coated or anodised. With minimal maintenance its design life is almost limitless.

3. Merging Materials to Provide a Design for Life

Alu-Timbers design means that the aluminium completely protects the internal timber, no water can penetrate on to the timber. Even the corner jointing is designed so no raw edges are exposed to the elements. This provides the ultimate in sustainability: longevity a facade material that will last for future generations. Alu-Timber has a design life of 40 years.

4. End of Life

All components within Alu-Timber can be reclaimed and have an end of life use. The timber and aluminium can be separated and recycled. The aluminium element is 100% recyclable, with no loss to its properties. The highly developed scrap aluminium industry is evidence of aluminium’s end of life high value. Used aluminium is valuable and is easily and endlessly recycled without quality loss. The timber element can be recycled and is traditionally used in the wood chip board industry. Alternatively, it can be chipped and composted or can be used to fire commercial combustion systems in the wood working or lumber industries. Accessories can be stripped down to their residual components and recycled accordingly.