Estate Living Magazine New Beginnings - Issue 37 January 2019 | Page 41

C o m m u n i t y
L i v i n g
This patented technology is a completely natural two-phase
modification that permanently changes the chemical structure of
the raw pine, from the surface right into its core, to create a stable,
strong and durable material. The timber initially goes through a
thermal heat process and is then pressure impregnated with a non-
toxic natural wax-like compound that fills the naturally occurring gaps
in the timber’s cells, thereby pushing moisture out and increasing its
stability and durability.
The upside of the process is that the modified timber is now
less susceptible to damp, decay and fungi, and the big-chain
hydrocarbons in the wax eliminate softness, add strength and make
the timber somewhat unpalatable to wood-destroying insects like
wood borers and termites. So this timber is virtually maintenance-
free, and when left to weather naturally will change from its rich
wood colour to a beautiful grey patina. An added benefit is that
this product contains zero toxins, and contains no volatile organic
compounds (VOCs).
As the business grew, it became evident that a sales person was
required, and Andrew Prior, Stuart’s brother, joined the team. He
had been working in northern Mozambique on a gas extraction
project, running the ESMP (Environmental and Social Management
Plan), and said that, as the project had reached a point where he
could hand over responsibility to local managers, he felt it was time
to leave. Since joining the team in a sales capacity, Andrew has
grown the sales team to four.
Rhino Wood and sustainability
Previously, decking was usually made from imported hardwoods
grown in the endangered Asian, African and South American
rainforests. These forests are diminishing at an alarming rate, and
even when logged ‘selectively’, the impact on forest biodiversity
cannot be denied. Deforestation is a huge contributor to carbon
emissions and climate change. And, unless you’ve been living
under a ‘log’, you’ll know that these rainforests are the Earth’s ‘green
lungs’ and somewhat crucial to our existence. So impressed was
WWF South Africa by Rhino Wood’s innovations in carbon emission
reduction and sustainability that they named the company as one of
three winners of the South African Climate Solver Awards in 2014.
Says WWF-SA CEO, Morné du Plessis: ‘Innovation, by its nature,
brings value to people. WWF believes that this value should include
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