The American recreational vehicle (R.V.) industry is facing growing criticism over its reliance on tropical wood, particularly meranti, which is driving deforestation and habitat loss in Indonesia’s Borneo rainforests. Conservation groups argue that the demand for R.V.s in the US has led to an accelerating rate of forest clearance, with tens of thousands of acres of forest being cut down each year.
The industry portrays itself as environmentally friendly, with companies like Thor Industries claiming to be committed to sustainability. However, shipping records and government documents reveal that deforested wood is being used in R.V.s manufactured in the US. In fact, over $900 million worth of lauan plywood was purchased by American buyers last year alone.
The R.V. industry’s reliance on tropical wood has devastating consequences for indigenous communities and wildlife. Deforestation has destroyed thousands of acres of peatlands, which store enormous amounts of carbon dioxide, making Indonesia one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases.
Conservation groups argue that the industry’s focus on price is driving the use of deforested timber, with alternatives being more expensive. Earthsight, a group based in Britain, suggests that outfitting an R.V. with sustainably sourced lauan wood would have only a negligible effect on its price.
The US is the world’s largest producer of R.V.s, and manufacturers like Thor Industries claim to be committed to sustainability. However, critics argue that the industry’s environmental claims are not supported by action. The lack of transparency and accountability in the supply chain has led to concerns over deforested wood being used in R.V.s.
The consequences of this practice extend beyond the environment, with indigenous communities losing their livelihoods due to deforestation. In Sabar Bubu, a community on the western edge of Indonesia’s Borneo, residents have spoken out about the devastating impact of logging operations. The area was once home to a highly biodiverse rainforest, but it has been cleared for industrial acacia plantations.
The R.V. industry must take responsibility for its environmental impacts and ensure that deforested wood is not being used in its products. Until then, consumers remain unaware of the hidden cost of their recreational vehicle purchases.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/19/world/asia/indonesia-borneo-deforestation-rv.html