East Teak Fine Hardwoods, Inc. Becomes First and Only Supplier of FSC-Certified Recycled Teak and Rosewood in North America.

Architect, Design Industry Survey Indicates Movement to Spend More for "Green" Solutions

DALLAS -- In 2006, nearly 90 percent of customers surveyed by the American Institute of Architects said they would be willing to spend more to build or buy homes that would be more energy efficient and also protect the environment. In response, East Teak Fine Hardwoods, Inc., the industry leader in First European Quality teak and other fine hardwood products, announces its recent certification as the first and only supplier of Forest Stewardship Council certified 100 percent post-consumer recycled teak and rosewood in North America.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit membership organization consisting of a diverse group of representatives from environmental and social groups, the timber trade and the forestry profession, indigenous people's organizations, responsible corporations, community forestry groups and forest product certification organizations from around the world. The FSC brings people together to find solutions that promote and reward good forest management.

East Teak now offers this one-of-a-kind reclaimed hardwood product to provide customers with eco-friendly or "green" solutions. East Teak sought this product following the growing trend from commercial and residential architects and contractors to specify sustainable and eco-friendly building materials. According to a recent report by the National Association of Home Builders, building "green" involves numerous facets that affect every element of construction, including the selection of materials based on recyclability and durability.

"As the building industry becomes more environmentally conscious with a dramatic increase in the request for green products, East Teak saw the need to offer architects, contractors and designers a product that met the demands of their clients," said Wayne Rogers, president of East Teak. "In 2007, our menu of FSC-certified woods will expand to meet those demands for eco-friendly wood species and also provide the building industry with top quality woods that are sustainable and unique in design."

All of East Teak's reclaimed woods are recovered by hand from old structures and recycled for new use, thereby avoiding the need to fell living trees. Each piece brings the unique characteristics of 60-100 years of aging, which results in a very distinctive and durable product. In addition, the wood is individually hand graded to ensure the highest quality and reusability of the wood.

East Teak holds its first FSC certification with chain of custody number TT-COC-002289, and will be the exclusive distributor of FSC certified prime grade recycled teak and rosewood in North America for Brooks Brothers UK, Ltd.

"This material conforms to the highest environmental standards available for timber, thus ensuring no tree has been cut and no building of cultural and historical value has been dismantled," said Hans Ng, Head of Environment for Brooks Bros UK, Ltd. "East Teak is showing true leadership and vision by recognizing its role in both promoting responsible forest management and encouraging the re-use of existing forest products."

The FSC 100 percent recycled label guarantees that all timber is harvested purely from post-consumer sources. In addition, East Teak will be audited annually by BM TRADA, the FSC-certifying body, to ensure the highest possible legal and environmental standards.

Alasdair McGregor, Product/Timber Business Manager for BM TRADA stated, "There are very few companies world-wide offering FSC-certified products that contain 100 percent recycled wood. East Teak has demonstrated that, with good management systems and a reliable supply source, it is possible to bring such products to market."

"As East Teak continues to grow as a leading supplier of fine hardwood products, our FSC-certified offering will now open the door to customers wanting high quality wood species that are not only beautiful in character but also environmentally responsible," added Rogers.

About East Teak Fine Hardwoods, Inc.

Founded in 1972, East Teak Fine Hardwoods, Inc. is the leading importer of high grade teak and other fine hardwood species used as decking, flooring, walls, ceilings and cabinetry in the construction of yachts, hotels, resorts, office buildings and luxury homes. From its facilities in South Carolina and Washington, East Teak serves the architectural, up-scale residential, commercial construction, hospitality and boating industries throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Canada. More information can be found at www.eastteak.com.