FEATURES • SUPPLIERS
From Forest to Floor:
The Journey of
Reclaimed Timber
with Kaltimber
January 2025
Words & Photography by The Punch
Where nature and life become one, Kaltimber has carved out a niche that is as unique as it is impactful. Founded in 2009, this pioneering timber merchant specializes in decking and flooring, using 100% recycled ironwood sourced from the dense forests of East Kalimantan in Borneo. By 2016, the company found a new leader in Guillaume Carnevale, who, after a journey through the world of scuba diving and tourism, redirected his efforts into sustainable development. His passion for wood, architecture, and ethical construction brought him to Kaltimber, where he steers the company with a clear vision.
Guillaume's approach to sustainability rewinds to his early pursuits, where replanting reefs was just an opening act to the larger mission he would eventually embrace. Working with reclaimed materials is labor-intensive, and counterfeit reclaimed wood is becoming a growing issue in the market.
Despite this, Guillaume’s vision extends far beyond the factory floor, putting together a narrative of innovation, integrity, and a relentless commitment to sustainability aligning with the spirit of Bali.
A POWERFUL TRANSFORMATION
Kaltimber champions sustainability by using recycled timber, a crucial practice in Indonesia, where illegal logging threatens forests. Opting for reclaimed wood helps prevent deforestation and reduces CO2 emissions associated with processing new timber. Each piece of reclaimed wood is thoughtfully selected based on age, condition, and dimensions, with only a few trusted suppliers meeting these stringent criteria. Guillaume personally audits these suppliers annually and collaborates with the forest ministry to ensure rigorous standards from sourcing to delivery.
The transformation of reclaimed timber into high-quality planks is highly attentive to detail. Each plank, marked by nails, cracks, and splits, undergoes selection and machining in-house. The process includes gluing, patching, sanding, and wire brushing, ending in a final quality check by Kaltimber’s most experienced carpenter before the planks are ready for use.
CONSISTENCY IN HIGH-QUALITY SUPPLY
There are endless possibilities in the world of reclaimed wood as the call for sustainable materials and eco-conscious living gains momentum. This also welcomes substantial hurdles such as counterfeit reclaimed wood which has undermined the industry’s authenticity. For Kaltimber, the challenge lies in maintaining a steady, high-quality supply while sticking to its ethical principles and preserving the integrity of its craft.
GLOBAL REACH, LOCAL IMPACT
Kaltimber’s mission is clear: to promote a sustainable future beyond the island, reaching across Indonesia and the globe. The commitment lies in providing enduring reclaimed wood, destined to enrich properties for generations. Each project, whether a home or a grand hotel, is approached with the intent to improve its value. Collaboration is key; the team partners closely with stakeholders in the sustainable industry, from initial planners to designers, landscapers, and architects.
COLLABORATION PROCESS WITH CLIENTS
At Kaltimber, every collaboration starts with a personal touch. The process starts with an invitation for clients to visit the facility in person, allowing them to immerse themselves in the textures and stories of the materials. Together, it’s a journey to translate the client’s vision, whether it’s a fully fleshed-out design or an emerging concept, into reality. Step by step, Kaltimber refines the details to ensure the perfect match for each unique project.
Once the ideal product is identified, clients are presented with samples showcasing the natural variations in finish, profile, and color that characterize reclaimed wood. This stage is crucial for understanding the inherent beauty and diversity of the material. Following this, a tour of the factory is done, revealing the process behind each piece, from raw reclaimed timber to finished creation, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse that defines Kaltimber.
REPLANTING & REPURPOSING FOR THE FUTURE
Replanting trees is central to Kaltimber and Guillaume’s efforts. For every 950 square meters of reclaimed wood sold, they replant 50 Ulin ironwood trees in Central Kalimantan, working with local associations. In 2023, they planted over 1,000 trees and plan to continue expanding their efforts. Protecting Ulin Ironwood, an endangered species, is crucial to their mission.
Sustainability is more than a trend for Kaltimber; it’s a commitment to responsible living. Their products not only add value but also align with the ethics of top architects and designers. By choosing reclaimed materials, they contribute to a more resilient environment. In their efforts to minimize their environmental impact, Kaltimber repurposes everything they can. Production offcuts become home décor items, while sawdust is used in various ways, such as in cooking, perfumes, or as an additive in gluing processes.
EXPLORE THE FULL STORY IN UNCOVERED BALI BOOK
Uncovered Bali is a collective project showcasing the sustainable journeys of carefully selected Bali businesses to a global audience. Each story highlights the unique impact these enterprises have on preserving Bali’s cultural and environmental heritage while driving positive change. Through this project, we aim to inspire global leaders, travelers, and communities to embrace more sustainable practices and appreciate the powerful role that local businesses play in shaping a better future.
EXPLORE THE PUNCH
Celebrating Bali's Responsible Heroes
Celebrating Bali's
Responsible Heroes
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF RECYCLED IRONWOOD
One of the most pressing issues in Indonesia is illegal logging, which leads to deforestation and habitat destruction. Kaltimber addresses this problem by exclusively sourcing recycled ironwood, eliminating the need for new tree harvests. This approach helps protect valuable forests and reduces the strain on natural resources. Recycling ironwood significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with timber production, as the process of repurposing existing wood generates less CO2 compared to traditional logging and processing of new timber. Kaltimber’s operations are designed to be as energy-efficient as possible, further minimizing environmental impact.
TURNING WASTE INTO VALUE
Kaltimber is committed to closing the loop on waste. The factory repurposes offcuts and sawdust from its production processes. Larger sawdust particles are sold for uses such as cooking or in the perfume industry, while finer sawdust is used in creating adhesives or as a texture additive. This approach ensures that nearly every part of the wood is utilized effectively, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
COMMUNITY & GLOBAL IMPACT
Kaltimber’s operations not only contribute to environmental conservation but also bolster local economies. By creating job opportunities and engaging with local suppliers, the company supports economic development in Kalimantan and Bali. This positive impact extends to the communities involved in the supply chain and those benefiting from the end products.
Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the company plants 50 Ulin ironwood trees for every specified amount of square meters purchased. In 2023 alone, over 1,000 trees have been replanted in Central Kalimantan. These efforts contribute to the preservation of the Ulin species, which is currently endangered, and support the restoration of forest ecosystems.
Kaltimber works closely with architects, designers, and planners to integrate its recycled ironwood into diverse projects. Whether it’s a private home or a luxury hotel, Kaltimber’s products add value and aesthetic appeal while aligning with sustainable design principles. This collaboration ensures that every project benefits from high-quality materials that meet both environmental and design standards.
LEADING THE WAY IN SUSTAINABLE AND QUALITY TIMBER
What sets Kaltimber apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability and quality. The company operates on three core pillars: Sustainable, Competent, and Fair. Each piece of wood is carefully selected based on age, condition, and dimensions, and this meticulous process is supported by annual audits and collaboration with the forest ministry. This ensures Kaltimber’s products are both eco-friendly and top-quality.
“Sustainability is not just a word; it’s a mindset and a way of life,” says Guillaume. By choosing Kaltimber’s recycled ironwood, clients are not only investing in durable and beautiful materials but also supporting a more sustainable and responsible approach to timber use. The company’s dedication to these principles demonstrates that sustainable practices can coexist with exceptional craftsmanship and design.
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