Proteak (BMV: TEAKCPO.MX) is a forestry company that cultivates teak trees on plantations located on reclaimed ranch lands in the dry tropical regions of Mexico and Latin America. Based out of Mexico City, Mexico, Proteak has satellite offices in Wimberley, Texas and Tepic, Mexico. At their manufacturing facilities, Proteak produces a range of teak products including: cutting boards, butcher blocks, decking, flooring and lumber.
 
Proteak Renewable Forestry, SAPIB was founded in 2000 by a group of investors in the US and Mexico. Forestry management operations began in 2000 with the planting of teak forests along the Pacific coast of Mexico. In 2006, Proteak began to offer its first commercial product lines.
In 2010, Proteak reported that having over 8,000 acres^[1] under cultivation on reclaimed ranch lands, while protecting roughly 2,000 of virgin tropical forests adjacent to those plantations. As part of the company's operating guidelines, Proteak preserves standing forests on the properties that it acquires. Proteak's sustainable practices have earned its plantations a Forest Stewardship Council certificate.
Proteak's IPO closed on June 30, 2010, selling approximately 79 million shares on the Mexican Stock Exchange.
 
Proteak's most visible product line include cutting boards, butcher blocks, counter tops and other kitchen accessories. The timber used to manufacture these products comes entirely from Proteak's FSC certified plantations.
Teak is often used in kitchen applications because of its highly resilient characteristics compared to other hardwoods. Equipped with a naturally high level of oily resins called tectoquinones, teak wood has a unique ability to repel moisture, fungi, warping and rot. Plantation teak kitchen products are often popular with environmentally conscious chefs who prefer the material for its relatively small ecological footprint.
Compared with other sustainable options like bamboo, teak cutting boards and butcher blocks are often considered to result in less wear on knife blades. End grain cutting boards showcase the tree's natural rings and hide knife marks and wear. Other manufacturing styles, such as edge grain or face grain are generally more affordable thanks to the efficiency of their construction.

Teak lumber and decking make up another prominent portion of Proteak's commercial offerings through it subsidiary Teakyard. Boards cut from teak logs exhibit an attractive golden or brown complexion with a tight grain pattern. Often used in the construction of boats, patios, and outdoor furniture, teak lumber is known for its ability to resist rot, warping and cracking.
Plantation teak lumber is also available at a significantly lower price than teak imported from Burma's old-growth forests. Likewise, it's often preferred by consumers who are looking for an ethical or environmentally friendly teak option for their construction project.