Victorinox’s Sustainable Shift from Rosewood to Modified Maple and Radiata Pine Handles
In a commendable move towards sustainability and responsible sourcing, Victorinox, renowned for its high-quality knives and cutlery, has embarked on a significant transition over the past 18 months.
The company is shifting from using Rosewood handles to Modified Maple, and in some cases, Radiata Pine, for their knife handles. This transition comes in response to the critical status of Rosewood as an endangered species, coupled with recent limitations in maple wood supplies.
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The Rosewood Dilemma:
The decision to transition away from Rosewood handles was primarily driven by environmental concerns. Many species of Rosewood have been listed as endangered, triggering alarm bells in the woodworking and manufacturing industries. In a responsible and proactive move, Victorinox decided to discontinue the use of Rosewood to help conserve and combat the illegal trade in endangered woods.
Introducing Modified Maple:
To replace the Rosewood handles, Victorinox turned to Modified Maple. This innovative approach involves applying a food-safe staining process to Maple wood, which darkens its appearance without compromising the knife's performance in any way. The knives retain their exceptional performance, sharpness, and quality, demonstrating that sustainability and aesthetics can coexist without compromise.
Maple's Supply Constraints:
While the adoption of Modified Maple handles was a promising step, Victorinox encountered a new challenge. The supply of maple wood also faced limitations, as it became increasingly challenging to source in adequate quantities. In response to this, Victorinox employed a forward-thinking approach to ensure their worldwide demand could be met sustainably.
Radiata Pine as a Viable Alternative:
To address the limitations in Maple wood supply, Victorinox turned to Radiata Pine wood as an alternative material. Radiata Pine is known for its fast growth and versatility, making it a more sustainable choice compared to endangered or limited-supply materials.
A Sustainable Future:
Victorinox transition away from Rosewood to Modified Maple and Radiata Pine is a testament to their commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and responsible manufacturing practices. By making these strategic changes, the company is not only safeguarding the longevity of its product lines but also contributing to the conservation of endangered species and promoting sustainable practices within the industry.
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Jonathan Jackson, 18th September 2023
