At a symposium on green furniture in Putrajaya, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof of Malaysia emphasized that embracing green furniture, which involves natural materials free from harmful substances and emissions, holds the key to reducing environmental pollution stemming from the furniture sector. 'The expansion and development of the green furniture industry can make the industry “the next trillion dollar business”, said Fadillah.
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the significance of adopting a holistic view in the development of green furniture. He stressed that every aspect of furniture production impacts carbon footprints, advocating for a comprehensive approach to mitigating environmental harm.
The Green Furniture Certification Scheme of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), aimed at recognizing environmentally responsible companies, received praise from the Deputy Prime Minister. He highlighted the potential positive impact on the credibility, competitiveness, and marketability of businesses involved in the green furniture industry, both locally and internationally.
The export of wooden furniture remains a cornerstone of Malaysia's timber industry, contributing significantly to the country's overall timber exports. Last year, the export value of wooden furniture alone accounted for RM11.1 billion out of a total industry export of RM25.2 billion.
The 2023 National Green Furniture Symposium, themed ‘Sustaining the Industry Towards a Circular Economy,’ saw over 200 participants, including government agency representatives, industry players, and research officers, convene to explore the sustainable future of the furniture industry.
Source: www.thesun.my