We only source cutting boards made from 100% Australian timber
Our boards are made from Australian Camphor Laurel Timber (cinnamomum camphora) with Red Gum handles that come from sustainable resources.
Too much of a good thing
You may not know that Camphor Laurel is an introduced species originally hailing from Asia and was introduced to Australia in the 1820s.
Since it was introduced in 1822 it has spread right along eastern Australia from the Atherton Tablelands south to Victoria.
Whilst undeniably attractive and fertile (a large tree can produce 100,000 seeds a year), Camphor Laurel has proven to be an unwelcome guest. Camphor Laurel is quick to replace native species and to invade pastures. For example, along water ways Camphor Laurel will replace native blue gums, a favourite food for koalas, placing yet more strain on koala populations.
For these and other reasons, Camphor Laurel is classified a Class 3 plant (unable to be planted and removal recommended) in Queensland with similar "Not Welcome" signs hung out in other states.
It is estimated that there is 50,000m3 of Camphor Laurel forest in the Northern Rivers district of NSW alone.
Value Adding
However, the simple removal and destruction of these trees makes little economic or environmental sense. Government resources are not available to publicly fund significant eradication and it is thought the best solution to the Camphor Laurel problem lies in making a virtue of necessity.
Value adding, using the timber to produce camphor oil or furniture, cutting boards, doors, step treads etc, is a more practicable way of reducing the stock of these trees.
The harvesting, milling and value adding of Camphor Laurels in north-eastern NSW exceeded $1 million in annual turnover in the late 1990s.
Anti-Bacterial
An obvious by-product of Camphor Laurel is the distinctive camphor oil which was used medicinally; in incense; as a food flavouring and in the production of smokeless gunpowder and celluloid film.
Camphor oil contributes to the naturally Anti-Bacterial properties of cutting boards. These properties offer a rich smell and texture and coupled with a unique design produces a chopping board that makes an attractive, sustainable and environmentally positive statement.
After being University tested and proven to be the best timber for cutting boards and food preparation these Australian made boards stand out even more as the best product and choice.
An environmentally sensible gift
Charcool is proud to be helping (in a very small way) encourage markets for Camphor Laurel products.
The cutting boards that we offer are produced in Northern NSW and are handmade. Each piece has a different colour and grain so, no two are identical.
As gifts, these unique Australian Cutting Boards create an enduring memory changing appearance and personality with every use.
Give them for Anniversaries, Weddings, Birthdays or simply as a "Thank You" gift.
