Council's Perennial Wood lounge chairI think the big material news out of the ICFF is Eastman chemicals new Perennial Wood. Yes, that is right wood from a chemical company. Eastman says they have been developing this technology for years. Perennial wood is made from domestically sourced southern pine, which is treated with acetic anhydride under heat and pressure. If their claims are accurate Perennial Wood will endure the elements. The Eastman process is said to be non-toxic, transforming the wood on a molecular level and leaving behind only a small amount of a vinegar-like substance. Any chemists want to weigh in on this?
Eastman showed a selection of student work in their booth and a few booths down, Council's Eric Pfeiffer had a lovely line of outdoor furniture using Perennial Wood. The wood has a soft elegant look and feel. Pfeiffer used the wood with both a plain polyurethane finish and a white wash.
Check out Council's work with perenial
and Eastman's website for more info