Sustainability is a major issue today. Plastic pollution is affecting our planet’s health, and many companies are trying to find eco-friendly alternatives to plastic components. One of the best materials to replace plastic parts is wood. In this article, we want to talk about the advantages of wood components and why they can improve different types of products.
Wood components: why they are the best choice
- In 1950, the world’s population of 2,5 billion people produced 1,5 million tons of plastic; in 2016, the population increased to more than 7 billion, producing more than 320 million tons of plastic. This is expected to double by 2034.
- Every day almost 8 million pieces of plastic are thrown into our oceans.
- Approximately 5,25 trillion pieces of plastic are in our oceans now and weigh up to 269,000 tons.
- Recent studies have shown plastic materials in 100% of marine turtles, 59% of whales, 36% of seals, and 40% of seabird species examined.
- 100,000 marine mammals and turtles and 1 million seabirds are killed by plastic components every year.
This is just some of the data highlighting problems caused by plastic pollution that you can find in the “Surfers Against Sewage” website, a community that actively fights to protect oceans, beaches, and wildlife.
It is undeniable that the flexibility, manageability, and durability of plastic are very useful in creating many objects that we use every day. Without plastic we couldn’t have many of the products that are vital for us, but plastic can sometimes be replaced with more eco-friendly materials, which is an advantage not only in terms of sustainability but also in resistance, feel, aesthetics, hygiene, malleability, and strength.
Wood components are great alternatives for many reasons:
- They are sustainable
Wood is naturally present in our ecosystem and is a low-carbon and renewable resource if responsibly gathered to preserve the environment of the forests. It doesn’t damage the oceans or its inhabitants.
- They are aesthetically beautiful
Think about a wooden cosmetic cap or a wooden stock: they are more luxurious than plastic ones and give an incomparable sense of elegance and prestige. Wood is warm and alive, and many people appreciate the naturalness and sophistication that it can provide.
- They are unique
Many types of wood are present in nature. Some are cheap, while others can be very expensive. Each type is different. Some wood essences, for example, are light, e.g., Ash, Beech, Birch, Cherry, Elm, Hornbeam, Maple, Oak, Olive, and Pear, while others are darker, e.g., Teak, Walnut, and Wengé. Some have knots and veins as well as different colours and degrees of roughness: these aspects make each piece different and unique.
- They are easily customizable
Wood components are very flexible and malleable. For this reason, they can be managed and transformed easily—giving them different shapes and colours—and enriched with many types of finishes to satisfy individual needs. A specialized manufacturer can offer a wide range of finishing options, even water-based organic finishes, to create a completely eco-friendly product.
- They are cost-effective
Compared with plastic, wood components are especially cost-effective, as they don’t need expensive moulds. It means that the initial investment is lower and that possible modifications during production are easier, quicker, and less expensive. If you find the right supplier, you can also produce small lots based on market demand and get them delivered just in time. It means a reduction of the holding cost and any other costs associated with it.
These are the general features of wood that make it more desirable when compared with other materials. Now we will discuss the advantages of wood in more specific sectors.
Some industries in which wood components make products better
Packaging
Wood packaging is becoming very popular today not only among “green” brands but also in the luxury world. Brands have realized that consumers love wooden caps, boxes, and packs, as they prefer buying products that respect the environment. Besides this characteristic, wooden packaging has many other benefits. Some people, for example, love the degree of roughness it can offer, while others prefer a refined and sophisticated product for perfumes and spirits caps. Moreover, as said, there are hundreds of varieties of wood: each cap, package, or component can be created using the type the client prefers and which best reflects the values and spirit of the brand. Customization and identification are crucial in luxury packaging, and wood makes them possible.
Oral care
Wooden toothbrushes are a very good choice to reduce the use of plastic, but they can also be safer and more hygienic compared with plastic ones. A specialized supplier, in fact, will be able to treat wooden oral care products with water-repellent finishes that will avoid the proliferation of bacteria and mould in humid environments. Moreover, as wood can be easily shaped, toothbrushes can be ergonomic, functional, and comfortable to hold.
Brushes
Many types of brushes are on the market, e.g., paintbrushes, makeup brushes, wooden hairbrushes, combs, artist brushes, and brushes for domestic cleaning. Why should you choose wooden ones? Besides all the advantages of wood mentioned above, we must remember that wood is antistatic. This is especially a great advantage for hairbrushes, as they won’t damage hair. Wooden brushes are also more resistant, ergonomic, and hygienic if treated correctly. Resistance is crucial, as brushes may come in contact with chemical substances, paintings, and natural oils.
Toys
Wooden toys are the best choice for many reasons. First, they are environmentally friendly, as they are biodegradable, and they can be easily recycled. Moreover, a competent supplier can finish them with water-based protections and paints, making completely ecological. Then, wood components for toys are safer than plastic ones, a mothers’ primary concern. Plastic parts tend to break easily, becoming dangerous for children, who usually put everything in their mouth. On the contrary, high-quality wooden toys are strong and durable, and less risky for children. However, you must ensure they respect all the certifications and standards of youth protection dictated by the market.
Kitchenware & Homeware
The house is the place where most plastic is produced. More sustainable choices mean a consistent reduction of plastic pollution. For this reason, opting for wooden home accessories, decorative elements, cutlery, and knife box can play a significant role in plastic reduction. Moreover, an expert wood components manufacturer can create unique objects with innovative designs and styles, from simple clean lines to the most complex structures, ergonomic and elegant. It is important to ensure that all kitchenware wood products are varnished with food contact approved paint (EN 1935-2004).
If you want to be sure that your wood components are perfect, treated professionally with innovative machines and tools, and subjected to strict quality control, you must rely on a competent and expert supplier. Minelli S.p.A has specialized in wood manufacturing for more than eighty years and can ensure top-quality wooden products designed to satisfy the most demanding requests. If you have a project in mind, click here and contact us!
