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

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.