Driftwood: A mini-review of current knowledge and research for furniture industry

Abstract

With increasing industrialization, the environmental impact of human activity
continues to grow, leading to greater waste production and a depletion of natural
resources. The search for alternative, sustainable materials has become a pressing
priority, particularly in industries like furniture manufacturing. Driftwood, a
natural resource carried to oceanic and coastal areas by currents, ice, and waves,
presents a unique opportunity in this context. Originating primarily from boreal
forests in Siberia and Russia, driftwood undergoes natural modifications due to
prolonged exposure to seawater and Arctic ice, influencing its physical and
mechanical properties. This paper investigates the origins, properties, and
potential applications of driftwood, emphasizing its role as a sustainable resource
for industrial use. Driftwood’s machinability, density, and structural integrity are
analyzed alongside its historical and modern applications, ranging from
construction and fuel in medieval Iceland to contemporary uses in art, furniture,
and eco-friendly building materials. Additionally, innovative research exploring
driftwood-derived products such as thermo-acoustic panels and bricks highlights
its relevance to circular economy practices. The study concludes that while
driftwood holds significant promise as an alternative material, challenges related
to its structural properties and availability, exacerbated by climate change, require
further research. Nevertheless, integrating driftwood into industrial practices
could advance sustainability by reducing waste, preserving natural resources, and
promoting a transition to a circular economy