What is Leaf Log?
Leaf Log is a biomass, renewable and sustainable source of energy in the form of solid fuel which is suitable for homes and industry across the globe. Leaf Log has been produced by using a resource which many individuals and organisations find to be a nuisance – fallen leaves. Using sustainable and renewable energy reduces our dependency on energy sources that significantly contribute to climate change. By recycling a small percentage of the five million metric tonnes of leaves falling across the UK every year into Leaf Log, there will no longer be a need to landfill this energy source, which releases methane gases into the environment when decomposing.
What are Leaf Logs made from?
Leaf Log is a solid fuel produced via a unique and patented process. Each log consists of up to 70% naturally fallen leaves. Each unit burns for up to 3 hours and can be used anywhere one would use wood or coal except for BBQ cooking due to the high flame.
Has Leaf Log been tested?
Yes. Test results of Leaf Log provided a net calorific value of 27,840 kj per kg proving that Leaf Log burns as hot as coal and 3 times longer than wood (weight for weight). The test revealed less than 1% sulphur content in each log. These independent tests were undertaken by TES Bretby on behalf of Hargreaves plc and NPower on behalf of Drax Power Limited. A full copy of the test results is available on request
How does it affect climate change?
Deforestation accounts for 25% of CO2 emissions across the globe. We no longer need to cut down trees for fuel. The redirection of leaves from landfill into Leaf Log production reduces the release of methane gas into the environment which significantly aids the drive towards reducing climate change. We are also working with local authorities in relation to the collection of leaves from local areas and to assist in meeting their targets for the reduction of green waste. Each time a Leaf Log is used there is up to 70% less CO2 being released into the atmosphere. Deforestation costs more than global banking melt-down and researchers from The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) project have told the World Conservation Congress that the disappearance of the world’s forests costs between $2 trillion and $5 trillion each year - more than the current Wall Street estimate of losses since the start of the global banking crisis.
How does it compare to other solid fuels on the market?
Weight for weight, Leaf Log burns longer than coal and wood. Leaf Log ignites immediately from an open flame (just light the bag) and provides a cleaner, greener and higher flame with an equal or higher heat output. Leaf Log requires less hands-on management than standard coal and it burns to a fine ash which can be sprinkled on gardens. Unlike coal and wood it does not require kindling or firelighters.
How many leaves are required to make Leaf Log?
Fallen leaves are collected in tonnes during the autumn and winter months of each year. In the UK up to one million metric tonnes of leaves fall each year with a percentage collected and land filled annually at a rate of up to £50 per tonne. They are often sodden through rainwater and dumped into landfill sites across the country with small amounts being re-directed for composting. We estimate approximately one black bag of leaves will make one Leaf Log.
Is Leaf Log smokeless?
There may be slight smoke on ignition and during the end of the burn however, generally speaking, Leaf Log is found to be smokeless and matches other heat logs currently available on the market. Official test results will be available shortly.
What about coal?
There is a huge need for Governments and individuals globally to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels and to find alternative renewable and sustainable fuels from more natural resources within the environment. The UK provides 0.6% of the world’s total annual coal production. It is the 4th largest coal consumer in the European Union and the 14th largest in the world. Based on this information, the UK consumes more coal than it currently produces and therefore, it has to import, mostly from South Africa, Australia and Russia. (Source: The Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum - www.cslforum.org/uk.htm).
What are its commercial applications?
Leaf Log is a solid fuel which can be used in various sizes and quantities in many different environments. It is suitable for; multi-fuel stoves/boilers, wood burners, open fires, chimineas/fire pits and camping. Leaf Log can also be used in disaster areas for warmth and cooking and it can easily be produced in smaller sizes to be used as firelighters. The only application Leaf Log cannot currently be used for is BBQ cooking due to the flame content.
Who are your competitors?
There are similar products currently sold around the world. However, these products are made from sawdust and mixed with up to 70% wax. Unlike Leaf Log, for those products to exist, something has to die and the raw materials for the sawdust logs are in short supply. Leaf Log is competitive in price and is cleaner and greener than other solid fuel products on the market today. There is also no need to use valuable land space to grow crops for fuel as leaves are naturally produced every year without fail.
Is the Leaf Log more expensive?
Leaf Log does not cost more to the end user than any other manufactured heat log (sawdust) which currently ranges between £1.48 and £3.99 per log. When the cost of the coal plus the periphery requirements such as firelighters and kindling are added on, Leaf Log is in line with other fuels in price comparisons. The manageability and environmental issues should also be taken into consideration when opting for Leaf Log.
Where is it manufactured?
Leaf Log is currently manufactured at a dedicated plant in central Birmingham, West Midlands and is manufactured to the highest standard with significant quality checks of each batch. There is no waste attached to the process as any off-cuts are recycled back into producing Leaf Log or utilised to provide heat/warmth at our premises. We aim to ensure that by 2010, a combined heat and power process will be installed which will allow the product to be used to drive the manufacturing plant.
Product Protection and Awards
Leaf Log has a patent pending following its creation and the name Leaf Log and its logo is a Registered Trade Mark. Leaf Log was nationally judged and recognised as a carbon saving and innovative product when it was successful in winning a £40k award from Shell UK in February 2008. The Leaf Log concept was also successful in attracting developmental finance from the Technology Transfer Fund in February 2007.
Where can I purchase Leaf Log? Who distributes it?
Leaf Log is available via our online shop at www.leaflog.com or our stockist’s (list available online). We also supply direct to B&Q plc across a selection of their 333 stores.
Contact Us
Leaf Log
Email : info@leaflog.com
Website : www.leaflog.com
