Betterwood ” Video ” We Project documentation

From chance to idea

Betterwood is a company that was born out of a mixture of chance, commitment and the right timing. The founder, who is originally from Colombia, was working for the Colombian trade agency in Germany at the time, where she helped companies to establish their products – from flowers to textiles – on the German market. At that time, FSC-certified tropical timber did not yet play a role. But her brother, who worked for the Colombian Chamber of Foreign Trade, discovered a huge demand in Europe. He traveled to South America, established initial contacts with producers and thus laid the foundation for the trade in FSC-certified tropical timber – and for Betterwood.

First steps in the international timber trade

In the early days, the team turned to the environmental organization WWF and received the crucial tip about the Global Forest Trade Network. It was through this network that the first concrete contacts were made – including with a project in Bolivia that offered FSC-certified tropical timber from sustainable forestry. With no previous experience in the timber trade, the founder traveled to Bolivia, introduced herself to several companies and offered to sell the timber in Germany. However, it soon became clear that as an intermediary, she was unable to meet the expectations of both sides. The solution was to take over the import herself.

Direct trade in FSC-certified tropical timber

Direct trade has become the core of Betterwood: without middlemen, with full transparency and responsibility. This allows the company to guarantee that only FSC-certified tropical wood is sold. This independence allows fair prices for producers and customers – and gives Betterwood the opportunity to control the entire supply chain: from felling to delivery. The aim is not only to supply high-quality wood, but also to protect the rainforest at the same time.

Teamwork: three heads, one goal

Today, Betterwood is managed by the Körting siblings and a close friend – as a well-coordinated team with clearly distributed tasks. The family structure allows for quick decisions, but also intensive discussions. Different perspectives come together, but this is precisely where the company’s strength lies. The common vision unites: To make FSC-certified tropical timber known in Europe and thus initiate sustainable change in the industry.

Focus on Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Betterwood sells FSC-certified tropical wood primarily in German-speaking countries – via an office in Berlin, which is also responsible for customer support. A targeted SEO strategy ensures that customers find Betterwood easily online – with search terms such as “FSC-certified tropical wood”, “decking boards made of tropical wood” or “sustainable garden wood”. Visibility in search engines is an important success factor – because it brings people with ecological requirements directly to the right product.

From uncertainty to stability

The first few years were characterized by uncertainty, a great deal of commitment and perseverance. The idea of importing FSC-certified tropical timber directly was new at the time – and risky. But with every new partnership, every order delivered and every positive customer feedback, confidence in the company’s own concept grew. Today, Betterwood is stable in the market – and can continue to grow with a view to the future.

FSC-certified tropical wood as a vision

Betterwood shows that FSC-certified tropical wood can be a way to protect the rainforest instead of exploiting it. Transparent supply chains, fair prices and close cooperation with local producers make sustainable forestry a reality. The vision: to create an alternative to the conventional timber trade – high-quality, ecological, transparent.