Bamboo furniture: The sustainable future for Malaysian furniture industry

Malaysian furniture industry is at crossroads as a result of the development of sustainability and the exploration of alternative materials like bamboo. As the world becomes increasingly conscious about environmental impact, the furniture sector begins to recognise the need to adopt more eco-friendly practices. Bamboo, as a fast-growing and renewable resource, has emerged to be a promising alternative to traditional wood in furniture production.

Bamboo has several advantages that makes it the perfect choice for furniture manufacturing. Its low density, good mechanical properties, and cost-effectiveness makes it a viable option for producing high-quality yet durable furniture. Additionally, bamboo environmental adaptability, short growth cycle, and high yield have contributed to more sustainable choice compared to wood.

In 2021, the Malaysian government launched the Bamboo Industry Development Action Plan (2021-2030), aims to promote the utilisation of bamboo-based composites within the furniture industry. The plan emphasises on innovation, technology, and quality assurance, paving the way for more sustainable future in furniture manufacturing.

Despite its advantages, the Malaysian furniture industry is quite slow to utilise bamboo as primary material. Ratnasingam et al. (2020) noted a lack of interest from wood-based manufacturers in entering the bamboo industry, indicating resistance to change. Additionally, there is a trend for increased public awareness and education about bamboo benefits, as consumer demand may be lower for unfamiliar materials compared to traditional wood products.

According to the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), the furniture industry has contributed RM12.8 billion to the country exports in 2022, a 15.3% increase from the previous year. However, the industry reliance on imported raw materials including wood, remains a concern. Meanwhile in 2022, Malaysia imported RM3.4 billion worth of furniture raw materials, a 7.5% increase from 2021.

To fully realise the potential of bamboo in Malaysian furniture industry, several steps need to be taken. Firstly, there are needs to increase the investment in research and development to improve bamboo processing techniques and product quality. Secondly, the industry should work closely with the government to implement policies that support the utilisation of bamboo, such as tax incentives and subsidies. Finally, concerted effort to educate both manufacturers and consumers about the benefits of bamboo furniture.

Malaysian furniture industry will have the opportunity to embrace a more sustainable future through the utilisation of bamboo. By leveraging the advantages of bamboo and implementing the Bamboo Industry Development Action Plan, the industry can position itself as a leader in eco-friendly furniture manufacturing. However, overcoming challenges such as resistance to change and lack of awareness will require collaborative effort from all stakeholders. With the right strategies in place, Malaysian furniture industry can pave the way for a greener and more prosperous future._photo by kaizenaire.com