In our first ever Impact Report we share what we’re doing well, where we still need to go, and what our impact looks like in action.
This first Abodo® Impact Report captures the steps we’ve taken so far, the challenges we’re still navigating, and the proof points that show how our words line up with our actions.
Feature timbers can stand for something.
Our Impact Report shows how - from championing better forestry and innovative products to our carbon goals and circularity, we’re taking a stand for the future.
As Abodo presents our first Impact Report, I’m proud to share how our commitment to innovative design and responsible forestry continues to shape every decision we make. - Daniel Gudsell, Abodo Managing Director + Founder
At Abodo, sustainability is about standing for something bigger than the products we craft. Having a clear, structured framework helps us stay focused, keep ourselves accountable, and report our progress with confidence.
Many of us gravitate towards the rich warmth and calming presence of timber in our homes and workspaces, but carefully selecting where and how we source that timber is crucial for our natural environment. We believe that ancient old growth forests are precious and need to be protected.
Over 50% of New Zealand’s yearly CO2 emissions are sequestered (captured) by our production forests.
The world’s forests are disappearing fast, with deforestation responsible for 10-15%* of all global greenhouse gas emissions – more than the total global transport sector. But it doesn’t have to be this way. When managed responsibly, plantation New Growth forests can help protect wildlife, keep waterways clean, and take pressure off irreplaceable old growth forests.
New Zealand’s lush natural environment features a wealth of unique plant and animal species that rely on the delicate, interconnected habitats of old growth forests to thrive. The rich biodiversity of these centuries-old ecosystems provides us with clean air and water, healthy soil, abundant flora and fauna, and critical climate resilience.
Debunking common myths about planted pine forests and their impact on ecosystem health. New Zealand’s planted pine forests play a critical role in food and fibre production, our local and export economy and the growing demands of the building industry amid a critical housing shortage.
By harvest time an average hectare of Radiata has stored 488,779 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
To get a true picture of our impact, we asked an independent third-party to measure our carbon footprint using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the international standard for emissions reporting.
This assessment looked at our Scope One, Two and Three emissions, from the fuels we use, to the energy that powers our operations, and the wider impact of our value chain.
We’re continuously improving the way we do things so we can tread as lightly as possible on the natural environment, understanding that all areas of our business contribute to our impact. This means embracing new technologies, learning new ways of working, and keeping a close eye on our operations – from the incoming timber to distributing our finished products.
We believe in circularity and work towards closing the loop where possible. This means optimising resources and minimising waste at each step of the manufacturing journey. One of the ways that we’re practicing circularity in action is through our innovative use of timber.
Each square metre of our Vulcan® timber locks away over 7.56kg of carbon - that’s twice as much carbon as is emitted during its production.
Caring for the environment doesn’t stop with the forest; it’s about the whole journey. From how trees grow to how they’re harvested, transported, treated, and finally installed, at Abodo, we’re intentional every step of the way.
Heat tempering (also known as thermal modification) is a game-changer. It boosts the timber’s stability and lifespan, turning it into a stronger, more environmentally responsible building material.
Innovation is in our DNA, we’re always pushing the boundaries to make our New Growth Feature Timbers™ look better and last longer, and through innovation we can provide a genuine alternative to ancient old growth forests. Backed by technology and patents, we deliver top-quality timber for our customers with smart, environmentally responsible methods that respect the planet. It’s the kind of innovation that you can see, feel and trust.
Our approach to Research and Development is design-led and guided by our values: solve real problems and create change. Dedicated testing sites and cross-functional teams ensure that new products and services are fit for purpose and exceed customer expectations.
A cubic metre (500kg) of Radiata contains 250kg of carbon, and sequesters 920kg of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.