As the world woke up to the threat posed by mass deforestation in the late 1980s, Pacific Green went on a search to find a viable ecologically-sound substitute for tropical hardwood. This search took them on a worldwide trail through remote climates and cultures. It was in the South Pacific that they came across vast abandoned plantations of coconut palm trees. These trees were originally planted in the 1900s to provide a crucial component in the early days of global manufacturing (Copra), but they no longer had a commercial use.
Historically, the coconut palm formed the basis of life for many indigenous peoples. The fruit was a staple part of their diet; the fronds provided cover and roofing; and the trunks were fashioned
into houses and even boats for trade and war. It was a medicine; a mosquito repellent; a ceremonial drum; a cosmetic. It was known as the ‘tree of life’. “Here was the opportunity,” said founder Bruce Dowse, “the perfect ecological substitute. There would no longer be any excuse for the destruction of the remaining rainforests.” Extensive testing of this wood revealed exceptional strength and durability, with a hardness equivalent to Teak and Ebony hardwoods. This strength derived from densely ingrained silica – the key ingredient which gives the wood its golden sheen and an inherent, unique beauty. We called this ‘Palmwood’. Pacific Green was set up to make Palmwood commercially viable.
MASTERING THE NEW MATERIAL
In 1991, Pacific Green started to experiment with Palmwood as a material for use in furniture design. The stylistic principles that the creative team applied at this early stage were to remain unchanged to this day: visually striking furniture that is timeless in design; furniture that incorporates quality with the most contemporary ergonomic principles, making it as
comfortable on the body and it is on the mind. During the late 1990s, our research laboratories continued to enhance the durability, versatility and consistency of Palmwood. Our
key breakthrough came in 1998 with the invention of a process for Prepregated Palmwood (Prepreg ® ). The Prepreg process allowed us to control the moisture content of the wood, thus providing stability in both wet and dry climates. It also made Palmwood impervious to white ants and other wood-boring insects. We were now able to expand the Pacific Green range, moving into architectural and building materials. With the addition of Palmwood pillars, cladding and flooring, Pacific Green was now able to offer customers a complete Palmwood lifestyle concept and thus continue the lifecycle of ‘the tree of life’.
INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION
In 2005, Pacific Green launched its first lifestyle concept, Pure Pacific Style ®. With strong roots in the Pacific Islands, it captures the sunny carefree spirit associated with the region. Taking inspiration from the handcrafts and ancient tools of the inhabitants – ropes, nets, spears and paddles – this range of Palmwood furniture came to define Pacific Green’s international image.
Pure Pacific Style captured the imagination of customers weary of sterile, flat-packed lifestyles, providing a return to tactile, natural materials for the home. It reached a global audience.
This success was particularly satisfying as it showed international appreciation for products with indigenous influences. Our product reflects our respect for ancient customs and culture; aspects of traditional life that are being swamped by modern technology. Pure Pacific Style has had an important role to play in inspiring people not to let these ancient skills and techniques become ‘lost arts’.
Pacific Green’s mission is to provide comfortable products that live with our customers; natural products that evoke distant cultures and exotic locations. We are committed to promoting Palmwood as an ecologically-sound substitute for endangered hardwood, while simultaneously highlighting its inherent, unique beauty. The manufactured products pay homage to the traditional handcrafting skills of the world’s indigenous peoples and we will continue to help
these communities to keep alive these special crafts. As part of this agenda, Pacific Green launched the Indigenous Masterpiece ® lifestyle concept in 2007.
http://www.pacificgreeninternational.com/
For Further Information Please contact Eileen Larkin @Urban Haven
16 Briarhill Business Park,
Ballybrit, Co Galway,Ireland
353 (0)87 2215972 353
(0)91 796255
http://www.pacificgreeninternational.com/
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