Robinia Wood
Why Robinia Wood?
There are many factors that play a role in the durability of different wood species, especially if they are exposed to soil contact. The durability of ash, beech and elm is significantly lower than that of oak and Robinia wood. This is because the natural protection against attack by pests and against biological degradation differs from wood species to wood species. Varieties such as oak and Robinia wood are very resistant, and they can be described as Born Green because they do not need to be treated with biocides when used for playground products.
Born Green means that our products are made from natural hardwood such as Robinia wood, which has a very high core content and dense structure as well as a natural content of preservatives. Robinia wood is fast-growing compared to other hardwoods such as oak and teak, and it is also one of the most widespread deciduous tree species in Southern and Eastern Europe.
Robinia wood is very durable, and without treatment with wood preservative it can last for 20 years or more according to DS/EN 350-2, which is the lifespan for untreated heartwood in soil.
Without the use of chemicals
Untreated wooden posts from alternatives to Robinia wood will be heavily degraded after just a few years in the ground, and it will therefore be necessary to surface treat them. With the Biocidal Products Regulation (2014), the EU has set some strict rules for what chemicals can be used to protect products against pests such as pests, bacteria, fungi and other unwanted organisms. All active substances / chemicals used for impregnation of wood must be approved and listed on the Article 95 list.
Longer lifespan
Robinia wood has the longest lifespan for untreated wooden posts with ground contact, where the wood becomes susceptible to wood-degrading fungi, borers, etc. due to moisture. Hardwood lasts longer and is more resistant, even without chemical treatment, than alternatives that have been treated. The lifespan of different types of wood depends on several factors such as wood quality, local soil conditions, the structure's ground contact, etc., and here, Robinia wood is the type that performs best. KOMPAN therefore chose a few years ago to primarily use Robinia wood in our playground products.
EUDR – deforestation ban
One of the EU regulations where KOMPAN has already set requirements for its subcontractors is in relation to the EUDR – the deforestation ban regulation. KOMPAN has chosen to implement the EUDR as of 01.01.2025, even though the EU has postponed the regulation, so that the regulations must first be met as of 01.01.2026.
All wood suppliers have been contacted and checked to ensure that they do not contribute to deforestation. This applies both to the Robinia wood used for wooden playgrounds and indoor furniture, but also to the wood used in connection with the transport and shipping of KOMPAN's products. The requirements in the EUDR are greater and more comprehensive than the requirements for FSC-labeled wood, and the EUDR can be considered a superstructure on the FSC. When customers buy FSC certified Robinia products, they will also comply with the EUDR.
Due Diligence – Preferred by Nature
KOMPAN uses a due diligence tool from Preferred by Nature to document our EUDR commitments in relation to our suppliers and their sub-suppliers of wood. Read more: Preferred by Nature Due Diligence Toolkit | Preferred by Nature
Due Diligence tools consist of guidance documents, templates and test procedures that make it possible to assess, manage and mitigate sustainability risks throughout supply chains. The tool creates transparency, ensures compliance with the rules and promotes continuous improvements in sustainability efforts. Among other things, the use of supplier questionnaires allows you to collect data on the origin of the wood, assess the risk of deforestation and map supply chains to identify problematic deliveries from e.g. clear cutting.
