Something new: technology in teak
Kathy Gao
Diamanté Hello Kitty cases; USB sticks that provide extra power and camera lens add-ons; there is a seemingly endless array of accessories that can be used to mod-up a mobile device these days. But what about something a little more eco-friendly?
Hong Kong-based ETEAQ has just launched a sleek line of smartphone and tablet cases and stands made of teak recycled from old houses and abandoned fishing boats in Java, Indonesia.
"All the cases and stands are made from teak that is [at least] 30 years old," says Bas Fransen, the chief executive of ETEAQ (the E stands for "eco" and the TEAQ is a variant of "teak"). "The natural and beautiful smell of the teak makes you feel like you are in a jungle."
Each item is engraved with a unique six-digit code, which identifies the tree in Indonesia that a buyer automatically adopts upon purchasing an ETEAQ product. Once they have been planted, trees can be located using the code on ETEAQ's website, which works with Google Earth.
The cases and stands come in packaging made of recycled boxes that is so delicate and beautiful, it is hoped buyers won't want to throw it away.
