Manufacturing sectors that incorporate green technology and practices in its production, allow them to meet sustainable environmental requirements in the future. Malaysian furniture industry is known to be innovative and efficient to ensure that it remains competitive and meets global demand. The industry has successfully transformed into an internationally recognized multi-billion ringgit industry from its initial traditional, domestic cottage-based manufacturing in 1980s.
Performance of Malaysia’s furniture manufacturing industry
In 2013, Malaysia was the eighth largest furniture exporter in the world and ranked third in Asia with the products exported to more than 180 countries around the world . The success of Malaysia’s furniture industry has always associated with the abundance of natural resources is rubberwood. Realizing this, the Malaysian government has set an annual growth target of 6.5% for furniture industry.
Economic downturn proves to be challenging to the industry, however, it remained competitive due to strong global demand for wood based furniture. Business-friendly environment also contribute to the success of the industry as the government provides tax exemption (pioneer status companies) and investment tax allowance. Coupled with good quality products and demand, Malaysian furniture industry continues its growth internationally.
Green technology in furniture manufacturing
Malaysian furniture industry is taking initiatives to enhance productivity besides addressing the needs to ‘green’ the manufacturing process. This is an important step to develop its image globally and to portray Malaysian-made furniture as being sustainable.
Furniture manufacturing companies can practice and apply green technology in its facility and manufacturing processes. This includes projects that involve solar panels for energy generation, green building and water and waste management. Producing clean power or steam supply through recovery of heat generated during manufacturing process proves to be beneficial and promote energy efficiency . Based on that, Malaysian Furniture Promotion Council (MFPC) has highlighted 3 main criteria used to define green Malaysian furniture .
Performance of Malaysia’s furniture manufacturing industry
In 2013, Malaysia was the eighth largest furniture exporter in the world and ranked third in Asia with the products exported to more than 180 countries around the world . The success of Malaysia’s furniture industry has always associated with the abundance of natural resources is rubberwood. Realizing this, the Malaysian government has set an annual growth target of 6.5% for furniture industry.
Economic downturn proves to be challenging to the industry, however, it remained competitive due to strong global demand for wood based furniture. Business-friendly environment also contribute to the success of the industry as the government provides tax exemption (pioneer status companies) and investment tax allowance. Coupled with good quality products and demand, Malaysian furniture industry continues its growth internationally.
Green technology in furniture manufacturing
Malaysian furniture industry is taking initiatives to enhance productivity besides addressing the needs to ‘green’ the manufacturing process. This is an important step to develop its image globally and to portray Malaysian-made furniture as being sustainable.
Furniture manufacturing companies can practice and apply green technology in its facility and manufacturing processes. This includes projects that involve solar panels for energy generation, green building and water and waste management. Producing clean power or steam supply through recovery of heat generated during manufacturing process proves to be beneficial and promote energy efficiency . Based on that, Malaysian Furniture Promotion Council (MFPC) has highlighted 3 main criteria used to define green Malaysian furniture .
| • | Material from sustainable sources: Wood and fabric used in furniture manufacturing must be from sustainable sources. Timber must be obtained from forest areas certified under Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) or from forest plantation. Additionally, encouraging the use of palm wood from oil palm tree and rubber wood, which would otherwise be burnt or deposited on landfill that might cause air pollution |
| • | Minimal waste: Waste minimization can be achieved through good design, finishing and quality. It can also be achieved through compliance with environmental regulation and requirements. The use of water-based stains and glues, recycled carton boxes and biodegradable plastic bags promotes better use of resources |
| • | Conformance with health and safety standards: Pre-and post-treatment of timbers and the use of chemicals (for protection purposes or to increase the dimensional stability of wood based products) should be conformed to health and safety regulation and requirements. This is to avoid health risks to humans as excessive exposure to chemicals is harmful to health scialert.net |
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