In a recent New York Times investigation, Unhappy Campers, reporters dramatically reveal that the RV industry has become the largest consumer of tropical wood in the United States - much of it harvested from Indonesia’s rainforests, often through wholesale destruction of vital orangutan habitat in Borneo.
Sheets of tropical lauan plywood (also known as meranti) are used extensively in walls, floors, and ceilings of RVs from major U.S. brands. Evidence shows that such wood originates from rainforest clearance - sometimes of more than three football fields worth every single day. Worse still, certification systems like FSC are being bypassed - even though FSC-certified equivalents exist and would add a mere ~$20 to the manufacturing cost of an RV. As sustainability commitments fall short in practice, it becomes clear that the environmental footprint of most RVs masks a darker truth.
Why Kulba is different - and why it matters
At Kulba, we build more than trailers - we build responsibly. Here’s how we're ensuring your adventures don’t come at the expense of the world’s forests:
- No rainforest timber used
Kulba trailers may feature a Brazilian palisander wood texture - but it comes from engineered veneer, crafted locally in Europe (e.g., from fast-growing poplar). That means not a single tree from the Amazon or Borneo has been harmed in making our exteriors and interiors. - Local sourcing for lower footprint
We minimize transportation emissions and support regional suppliers by sourcing materials - like Baltic birch - from nearby producers. This local supply chain cuts down ecological costs and reinforces our commitment to sustainable manufacturing. - Longevity in design = real sustainability
Rapidly outdated or short-lived products are not sustainable, no matter how eco-friendly the materials. Kulba trailers are timeless in design and built for durability and long service life, reducing waste and resource use over decades, not months. - Zero waste in wood
At our workshop, no scrap or chip goes to waste. Leftover wood is creatively repurposed into items like guitar racks or keychains, while sawdust and wood shavings become CO₂-neutral heating fuel in winter - closing the loop completely. - Reforesting as we build
Every single trailer we manufacture is paired with a new birch tree planted—our “Birch 4 Birch” pledge. This means tangible reforestation and helps rebuild the Baltic region’s forest resources.
We ensure our trailers help - not harm - our planet
The Unhappy Campers investigation reminds us that “nature-loving RV owners will be horrified to learn that their hobby risks destroying rainforests”. At Kulba, that horror is something we refuse to inherit. By using locally sourced, engineered materials; designing for longevity; minimizing waste; and actively reforesting, we ensure our trailers help - not harm - our planet.
When you choose Kulba, you're not just choosing an elegant, functional teardrop trailer - you’re choosing a conscious, forest-friendly path to adventure.
