Sustainable and environmentally conscious wood

Thermally Modified Wood

Platowood has developed a unique process that converts fast-growing wood (sourced from certified forests) into durable materials with a long lifespan. The secret? Hydro-thermal modification, also known as “platonising.” This process takes about a month and involves cooking the wood under high pressure (8 hours), baking (16 hours), and drying (about a month), without the use of chemicals or additives. The result is wood that improves from durability class 5 (lifespan less than 5 years) to class 1-2 (lifespan over 25 years). In practice, Platowood products last up to 50 years.

A Circular Approach

Platowood’s process is not only innovative but also fully circular. From tree to facade and back to nature: the wood completes a full bio-cycle. “A tree is felled, processed, modified, and used. Because our wood contains no harmful substances, it can eventually return safely to nature,” explains Bart Raymann, Director of Platowood. During this cycle, the seed of the original tree has grown into a new 50-meter giant, continuing the cycle anew. “Moreover, our production process uses only residual heat supplied by Veolia’s heat plant at Cleantech Park. And with over 3,000 solar panels, we generate our own electricity, for example, to power our ovens.”

Biobased Building as the Standard

Platowood’s ambition goes beyond making products—they aim to drive a cultural shift in the construction sector. “Architects should regard biobased materials as the norm, not the exception,” Raymann emphasizes. This requires collaboration and innovation throughout the entire chain, from design to execution. Platowood continuously develops new profiles and finishes to meet evolving demand. Their ambitions align with Dutch government policy. The National Biobased Building Approach aims that by 2030 at least 30% of new homes are built using 30% or more biobased materials.

Collaborating for Success
At Cleantech Park Arnhem, Platowood finds the ideal environment to innovate and collaborate. A great example is their partnership with sister company Hestus, a specialist in biological fire retardants. Together, they ensure that wood can be safely used in construction. Additionally, Platowood works with Accsys on educational initiatives. Through guided tours, students learn about the possibilities of biobased building materials. “Cleantech Park Arnhem is a hub for changemakers, full of people who believe it must and can be done differently,” says Bart Raymann. “From charging infrastructure to hydrogen and iron powder, from recycled plastic to biobased materials: everything comes together here.”

Future Goals and Challenges

Although Platowood has already achieved a lot, many challenges remain. “In the Netherlands, you often see brick, brick, brick. Wood offers many possibilities and gives architects creative freedom,” says Moriko Kira, architect and advocate for biobased building. The biggest challenge? Convincing the construction sector of the benefits of biobased materials. Platowood remains committed to this cause. The goal: to make biobased building the standard in the Netherlands and beyond.

With customers throughout the Netherlands and increasing presence in Belgium and France, Platowood’s impact is growing. Together with its partners, this innovative company demonstrates that sustainability and collaboration are the keys to a greener future.