Acacia a fast-growing, sustainable natural resource for timber products
KUCHING: Acacia timber may be the answer to ensuring a sustainable production of quality timber products.
A product of a fast-growing species of trees, the Acacia is among the fast growing tree species being extensively planted in Sarawak.
As at December 2013, according to Sarawak Forest Department, 227,635 hectares had been planted with Acacia mangium in the state, which represented 70 per cent out of the total 325,314 hectares planted areas in Sarawak.
Harvesting Acacia has also been one of the main focus for the state government as the Acacia tree has been identified as a major contributor to planted forests in Sarawak.
Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) had noted that planted forests could help to mitigate pressure on natural forests besides ensuring sustainable supply of raw materials to serve the needs of the local down-stream wood-based industries in Sarawak.
Hence, there is vast potential for local furniture and other industries to utilise the Acacia timber due to its abundant supply here in Sarawak.
According to leading Acacia products supplier Samling Housing Products Sdn Bhd (Samling), the Acacia is versatile and can be used in high-value end products.
It could also be used to make kitchen cabinets, flooring, engineered door, dining sets, wall panels, bar stools, louvers, and more.
Samling also touted Acacia as ideal for furniture and construction materials, both indoor and outdoor.
The Acacia timber also require relatively less chemical treatment compared to other types of wood, making a better option, financially.
“The Acacia species is a renewable and sustainable source of raw material which meets the Green Products Certification requirement,” STIDC said in a statement previously.
STIDC aims to pursue its proactive role in the overall development of the furniture industry by producing Acacia furniture for the global market with the ultimate objective of making Sarawak the hub for such furniture.
There will be a model house (House of Acacia) at the Sarawak Timber and SME Expo 2017 to be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching from May 18 to 21, 2017.
There, visitors can view 3D photos, furniture and other wood products made from Acacia timber.