#Japan #Tokyo #METOS #Thermory AS #Sauna Thermal Wood

Introduction

Metos Co., Ltd., a prominent player in the sauna and bathing equipment industry in Japan, has recently declared a strategic partnership with Thermory AS, a leading manufacturer of thermally treated wood based in Estonia. This collaboration aims to introduce an innovative product known as 'Metos Thermal Wood,' specially designed for the Japanese sauna environment, which will be available starting autumn 2026.

Background of the Partnership

As sauna facilities have proliferated across Japan, interest in traditional Finnish sauna experiences is at an unprecedented height. This surge is not just in the number of sauna establishments but also in the quality and materials that are being used, particularly regarding durability and water resistance. In response to these evolving customer preferences, Metos has begun to incorporate thermal wood into its offerings—an established material in Europe known for its endurance against moisture.

Recognizing the climatic and usage condition differences between Europe and Japan, Metos chose to collaborate with Thermory, which is renowned for its expertise and leading position in thermal wood production. This partnership is poised to ensure that the thermal wood supplied meets Japanese sauna room specifications, enhancing both safety and aesthetic appeal.

Product Overview: Metos Thermal Wood

The Metos Thermal Wood series represents Japan's first premium sauna-specific thermal wood, meticulously engineered to withstand the unique conditions found in Japanese saunas. Metos plans to incorporate this wood into its sauna installations while also partnering with companies nationwide for widespread distribution.

What is Thermal Wood?

Thermal wood is produced utilizing only heat and steam, significantly improving the wood's durability, dimensional stability, and decay resistance. The materials used are entirely natural, ensuring safety for users, as they come in direct contact with the material within sauna environments. The minimal contraction and expansion of thermal wood offer lasting beauty, establishing it as a standard for sauna interior materials in Europe.

In Japan, where wood is the traditional choice for sauna interiors, the concern of warping and degradation due to moisture has been recognized as a significant challenge. The introduction of Metos Thermal Wood addresses these issues head-on, ensuring durability and maintaining aesthetic integrity over time.

Company Insights

Shouichirou Yoshinaga, the President of Metos Co., Ltd., expressed, "Thermory is the world's largest manufacturer of thermal wood with 13 production sites globally. We aim not only to utilize thermal wood for interior materials but also to explore its applications in versatile outdoor saunas and external decking. By leveraging thermal wood as a new interior material, we aspire to create saunas that are more durable and stylish. This partnership will expand the potential of saunas and foster the ongoing growth of Japan's bathing market."

Further underscoring this collaboration, Katrin Reinaste-Palve, Sales and Marketing Director at Thermory AS, stated, "Japan is one of the most exciting and sophisticated sauna markets in the world. We are honored to initiate a long-term partnership with Metos, which has a profound understanding of not just sauna technology but also of the market dynamics. By combining Thermory's global expertise in creating beautiful and sustainable spaces over the past 25 years with Metos's comprehensive market insights, we aim to establish a robust foundation for long-term growth and innovation."

Looking Ahead

Thermory has been trusted by architects and designers in over 60 countries and boasts impressive annual sales exceeding €153 million as of 2022. Through this partnership, they plan to extend their exceptional products to create better sauna experiences across Japan. Not only does this signal a business arrangement, but it also reflects a shared commitment to enhancing premium sauna experiences, providing lasting value to customers, and contributing to the ongoing evolution of Japan’s sauna culture.

In summary, Metos and Thermory's partnership marks a significant step towards elevating the sauna experience in Japan, promoting sustainability and quality through the innovative use of thermal wood. The successful launch of Metos Thermal Wood is anticipated to redefine the standards in sauna construction and design in the region.