The rich and resilient coating that distinguishes Treetap® from other leather alternatives is derived from wild rubber plants that grow in the Acre region of the Amazon rainforest. There, native communities extract a latex resin they call leite (milk) from the Hevea brasiliensis plant. Once filtered, the latex is combined with an organic additive needed for later stages and painted on stretched cotton canvas sheets.

The coating cures in smoke that rises from small, traditional clay “volcanoes.” After this painting-and-curing sequence has been repeated several times, the sheets are hung and heated in kilns specially adapted for the forest conditions. This last step – vulcanization – enhances the strength of the coating. The resulting color of the Treetap® laminate is a product of a natural chemical reaction between wild rubber, the organic additive, and heat.

By producing Treetap® using traditional, low-impact practices, the communities improve their quality of life without degrading their environment. Plant tappers earn fair-trade wages, and the forested regions in which the plants grow are undergoing Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. With the growth of cattle and livestock breeding – activities responsible for rampant forest clearing – and plantation-grown rubber, this represents both a sustainable and viable alternative economic model for hundreds of forest communities wanting to preserve their home and lifestyle.

Quality control

The variability inherent in the process gives each Treetap® laminate a distinctive appearance. (Burning different wood, for example, in the smoke-curing phase may yield a slightly different hue.) That said, all laminates are carefully inspected to meet acceptable size, color tone and surface uniformity standards.

Care

Because the appearance of Treetap® may change over time, apply silicone to the surface as desired to restore the original color and gloss. Wipe off any excess that is not readily absorbed.