Tonewoods

Direct 

• Sustainable use of raw materials: Tonewoods purchases only 100% FSC-certified wood, under a Chain of Custody (CoC) certification, which attests that the wood is produced with responsible forest management practices. This includes the conservation of natural resources, the protection of biodiversity, and the reduction of deforestation. The certification contributes to fighting illegal logging, mitigating climate change, and enabling complete traceability. These practices are based on collaboration with local communities, promoting fair workforce practices, and supporting their livelihoods. 
• Efficient use of natural resources in production processes: Tonewoods produces over 1 million products annually, including instrument components, decking, and wall veneers, using sustainable materials and methods. Beyond responsibly sourcing raw materials, Tonewoods also prioritizes efficient production processes. They use modern equipment, including artificial intelligence, to optimize the use of each wood board. Residual wood that cannot be used for primary products is repurposed to create other products, such as finger-joint wall veneers. Additionally, the solid residues that cannot be reused in their facility are sent to a Spanish wood transformation industry, where they are turned into particle boards. Sawdust recovered in every machine is sent to a cement factory to be used as biomass, reducing its carbon footprint. On average, 60% of the wood imported is converted into products, while the remaining 40% (20% solid residues and 20% sawdust) is sustainably managed. This approach allows Tonewoods to reuse approximately 800 m³ of materials annually, ensuring that no waste is left unutilized. 
• Job creation: This project will enable Tonewoods to expand its production capacity, leading to the creation of two new jobs: one focused on the decking production line and another in general production. 

Indirect 

• Implementation of sustainable production facilities: Tonewoods operates in facilities designed with sustainability and employee well-being in mind. Their solar panel installation enables the use of renewable energy, reducing CO2 emissions and lowering electricity costs. The building design maximizes natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day, and further decreasing energy consumption. The inclusion of indoor plants improves air quality, contributing to a healthier workspace and boosting employee morale. 

By adhering to sustainable practices across its production and facilities, Tonewoods not only reduces its environmental impact but also sets an example of corporate responsibility in the music and woodworking industries. 

Tonewoods SL was founded in 2014 by Nicholas Weber and Isabel Bellver. Nicholas started his career in the wood industry in 2000 shortly after graduating in Economics where he specialised in international trade. In 2010 he started his own business and set up three sawmills, one in Canada, another in Cameroon, and the other in Tanzania. At the same time, he was subcontracting some processing in Valencia where he also obtained his first FSC® certificate. In 2014 Nicholas and Isabel decided to move all the operations to Valencia, they rented a 250 m2 facility, purchased a secondhand machine with a loan from the bank, and put all their saving into the venture.

In 2015 Tonewoods moved to a 1000 m3 facility and purchased 6 new machines. During the pandemic sales grew exponentially thanks to the high demand for instruments and new eco-conscious customers. During 2022 the company moved once again, this time to a 4000 m2 facility and the investments in machinery continued. At the time their focus was to optimise the processes, adding value to the product by producing engineered products and reutilising the waste for uses outside the music industry for products such as decks or pallets. 

The ultimate quest of the founders has always been to influence the music industry into using certified wood to produce instruments. After 10 years into the venture they are starting to see their dream come true and the clear sign is the growth potential they are experiencing. At this stage of the company, the founders are also exploring the possibility of applying the same philosophy to other wood products.

Tonewood raw materials are purchased directly from FSC® forests in the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Brazil, Guatemala, India and Romania. The certification not only focuses on the sustainability of the forest, but also in positive social impact and economic viability.