Sustainable Production is a Prerequisite for Sustainable Products!
Decisive factors in relation to sustainable products are: Low energy consumption, local production, short transport time, recycling of residues, life time, and recycling at the end of the product’s life, and that the raw materials are produced in an environmentally responsible way.
At the same time, rational production is a prerequisite for manufacturing sustainable and competitive products. This can only be achieved through targeted design development.
The wood used for the design products of Tyge Axel Holm comes straight from the Bornholm forests to his sawmill, where it is cut in dimensions suitable for the various designs. The wood is air dried and later cut up again before the final drying in the workshop.
Contrary to many other industrially produced wood products which are dried in ovens - adding to the Co2 cost - the wood for our production is air dried. This means that we do not affect the environment and climate.
Air drying of wood also has the effect that the wood gets a more varied and natural appearance which we make full use of in our design.
In our production we use a number of wood types which are uncommon in the industry due to short supply. Therefore many of the products are rare. The wood waste is used for Co2 neutral heating and the shavings are used as soil cover for our ecological vegetable production. Relatively few different objects and dimensions are used in the design, but the creative process results in many different products. The few metal parts used in the products are primarily made of stainless steel and all parts can be reused as new parts. The glue and surface treatment used is safe for humans and for the environment. Most of our products have not been surface treated and can be disposed of or reused without environmental consequences.
Wood is an organic material and is therefore susceptible to the surroundings. Heat can dry out the wood. Excessive light can change the colour of the wood. And dampness can change the shape of the wood and damage it if exposed to dampness for a long time.
The wood can dry out or get damp on one side. This may be why your cutting board starts getting warped. The side of the wood which is exposed to damp expands and get bigger than the dry side. This happens if the board lies on the same side on the kitchen table for a long time.
You therefore have to turn the board regularly or let it lean against a wall to allow the board to dry out on both sides simultaneously.
A wooden cutting board should not be put in the dishwasher or immersed in water for too long.
Surface treatment (For products used inside)
Most products are untreated. Cutting boards are washed with ordinary dish soap and will after some time get a whitewashed appearance. Place the board in an upright position allowing both sides to dry. Cutting boards can be treated with thin cooking oil or with mineral oil (which can be used with food products). You can use grape seed oil, walnut oil or coconut oil. The coconut oil is a good colour neutral alternative to other oils. Using too much organic oil can result in the board becoming rancid. This does not happen with mineral oil.
Furniture and unique products are often treated with cellulose lacquer to ensure long durability and finish but some products are also oil treated.
Surface Treatment (For Outside Products)
Some products intended for outdoor use do not need treatment. Oak is especially suitable but other wood types can also last for many years if they are kept inside during very wet periods.
Bird feeders and nest boxes can be painted or oil treated but the products will last for many years without treatment. If left untreated they will get a natural look and will blend ind with the surroundings. Untreated products can be composted or burnt without problems when they are worn out.
