Wood that won't burn primed for the great outdoors

With rain-resistant finish, Japan's Kagamoku aims to double sales

The interior of a Tokyo day care center made from Kagamoku lumber. Previous offerings were generally limited to indoor use. (Photo courtesy of Kagamoku)

YUKI KESHIBA, Nikkei staff writer

October 30, 2019 06:25 JST

KANAZAWA, Japan -- A Japanese company has developed a treatment that makes wood nonflammable and water-resistant without leaching chemicals into the environment.

Kagamoku, based in the city of Kanazawa, hopes to bring an updated version of its Moengen lumber to market as early as spring. The product's name means "it won't burn" in the local dialect.