Our approach to kitchenware is evolving. Materials are now chosen for their impact on health, the planet and everyday life, as well as for their appearance and practicality. One of the most discussed examples is the plastic cutting board. Research has shown that, during food preparation, tiny fragments of plastic can detach from their surface and end up in our food. Once ingested, these microplastics accumulate in the human body and have already been found in blood, tissues and even the brain.
This growing awareness is prompting consumers and brands alike to seek out safer, more sustainable materials. The FSC wooden chopping board is a prime example of conscious design.
Sustainability begins with the origin of every material. By choosing FSC-certified wood, you are supporting the use of resources from responsibly managed forests, where nature, people and industry coexist in harmony.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) sets global standards to ensure this harmony. Certified forests are carefully managed: trees are harvested in a way that allows regeneration, biodiversity is preserved and areas of exceptional environmental value remain protected.
FSC certification also promotes fairness and respect. Workers receive proper training and fair wages and local communities maintain their rights to the land and its resources. Every certified component has a transparent and verifiable chain of custody, so you can be sure that your design choices support ethical and environmental integrity.
An FSC wood cutting board is a technical, aesthetic, and ethical upgrade from plastic alternatives. Here’s why:
Every FSC wood cutting board starts life as a project, a dialogue between design intent and technical precision.
Talking about our approach, at Minelli we combine the artistry of traditional woodworking with the control of advanced manufacturing systems, ensuring that every piece meets both aesthetic and functional expectations.
The journey begins with material selection. Only FSC-certified wood species are used, chosen for their density, durability and tactile appeal. We use a variety of woods, including European beech and ash, as well as walnut and oak (read this article to find out which wood is best for cutting boards). Each type of wood has a unique visual character and can be traced back to a responsibly managed forest.
Once the wood has been selected and seasoned, the technical department transforms the initial design into a production-ready model. The team studies ergonomics, proportions and surface geometry with the same level of attention that a fine cutlery designer would dedicate to balance and comfort. Precision cutting, automated shaping and refined hand-finishing techniques ensure perfect alignment and smooth edges.
Thanks to its experience in knife handles, cutting boards and kitchen tools, Minelli is able to meet the tightest tolerances required by premium kitchenware brands.
Each board is then finished with food-contact-approved coatings that comply with EN 1935:2004. These varnishes protect the surface while preserving the natural texture and colour of the wood.
The design of every cutting board defines its personality.
FSC wood offers endless design possibilities. Each type of wood has its own colour, grain and texture. The natural variations in wood ensure that every chopping board is unique, transforming a simple tool into a crafted item that improves with age.
Finishes play a key role in protecting and enhancing these natural qualities. Minelli applies food-safe coatings that seal the surface while maintaining its texture. These varnishes are safe and comply with EN 1935:2004.
The company also experiments with new wood combinations, creating elegant contrasts or subtle harmonies that enhance the visual appeal of the product.
This process opens the door to customisation for brands and designers. Boards can be shaped, engraved or colour-matched to align with a specific collection or brand identity. Edges, handles and thickness can be adapted for improved ergonomics or a more distinctive aesthetic.
For example, each combination of wood essence, finish, and design detail can tell a different story:
At Minelli, every FSC-certified wooden chopping board starts with collaboration. Our engineers and designers work alongside your team to transform ideas into precise, manufacturable solutions. Each stage, from the initial sketch to the finished product, is handled in-house, including machining, finishing and quality control, to ensure consistency and authenticity.
Combining industrial precision with the warmth of craftsmanship allows us to create wooden components that express your brand's design language and elevate the everyday kitchen experience.
Find out how Minelli can support your next project at wood.minelligroup.com.