Sustainability
At Duncan & Grove, sustainability isn’t a label — it’s a responsibility. It means building playgrounds that are made to last, from materials that are responsibly sourced and engineered to reduce environmental impact over decades. Our commitment to sustainability starts at the forest floor and carries through every bolt, bracket, and beam.
We design our equipment to last over 30 years — not just to perform, but to outperform. That longevity is made possible by using FSC-certified tropical hardwoods, including Ekki and Bilinga, which naturally resist rot, moisture, and wear. These aren’t just beautiful timbers — they are among the most robust and durable materials on the planet, requiring no chemical treatment and minimal maintenance.
For those unfamiliar with tropical hardwoods, we understand the hesitation. But it’s important to realise: choosing certified hardwoods isn’t the problem — it’s the solution. Sustainable tropical forestry, supported by international certification systems like the FSC, gives forests long-term value and protects them from being cleared for short-term profit. When you specify our materials, you’re not just investing in a long-lasting playground — you’re helping sustain ecosystems, forestry jobs, and climate-positive land management practices in regions that need it most.
For sceptics and specifiers alike, our message is simple: if you care about sustainability, you should demand durability. And there is no more sustainable option than a product that doesn’t need replacing.
Why We Use FSC-Certified Tropical Hardwoods
We exclusively use tropical hardwoods such as Ekki and Bilinga, sourced from FSC-certified forests in Gabon. These forests operate under strict environmental standards, and Gabon is one of the only tropical countries with a national net-zero deforestation policy. All timber we use is harvested as part of long-term forest management plans, with low-impact extraction and full traceability.
There is a common misconception that tropical hardwoods are unsustainable. In reality, FSC-certified forestry in the tropics is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect rainforests.
If the world stops buying certified hardwood, we risk replacing sustainable forestry with logging for agriculture, mining, or unregulated timber.
By choosing FSC-certified timber from forests that are managed for longevity, biodiversity, and community benefit, you are directly supporting the preservation of rainforest ecosystems and the economic systems that protect them.
If you care about the rainforest, you should support the people managing it responsibly.
Longevity Is the Ultimate Sustainability
Our hardwood playgrounds are built to last 30+ years in public use, far exceeding the lifespan of other timbers.
- Ekki (Azobé) and Bilinga naturally resist rot, insect damage, and moisture without chemical treatment
- Structures require minimal maintenance over decades of use
- Long lifespan means lower carbon footprint over time
- Reduced waste and fewer replacements = lower lifecycle cost and environmental impact
This means fewer trees felled, fewer materials transported, and fewer interventions required. Sustainability isn’t just about what a product is made from — it’s about how long it performs.
Chemical-Free and Safe for the Environment
We don’t use pressure-treated softwoods or apply synthetic preservatives. Our tropical hardwoods are left untreated, and their durability is entirely natural. Robinia timber elements go through a rigorous five-step process including UV protection and structural bolting — no chemical additives required.
This ensures:
- A child-safe, non-toxic play environment
- No leaching of chemicals into the soil or water
- Natural weathering with integrity intact
Supporting Global Forestry, Not Undermining It
Buying certified tropical hardwood doesn’t damage forests — it helps sustain them. FSC certification ensures that forests are not overharvested, that biodiversity is protected, and that local communities benefit from long-term employment and investment.
If Western markets stop supporting certified forestry because of misunderstanding or guilt, these forests may instead be sold off for mining, cattle grazing, or illegal logging. The responsible choice is to support the systems that are working — and to demand transparency and certification in every supply chain.
By specifying our equipment, you are investing in:
- Sustainable, low-impact forestry
- Long-lasting, low-maintenance products
- Responsible, ethical supply chains
Low Waste, Efficient Manufacturing
We optimise every part of the manufacturing process:
- Timber offcuts are reused in small product fabrication, prototyping, or donated for local reuse projects
- Woodchip waste is disposed of through a commercial recycling partner, which supplies it to the panel board and renewable energy industries
- Steel waste is collected and recycled through local scrap metal merchants
- All products are modular and repairable, allowing for part replacement without scrapping full structures
- Our workshops continue to invest in energy-efficient machinery, digital manufacturing, and lean production techniques
- Local manufacturing capacity in North America is expanding to reduce shipping distances and related emissions
We believe in circular design thinking, and we are committed to improving our sustainability year after year.
