Non-Wood Timber Products as Sustainable Materials for Circular Industrial Design in Southeast Asia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v11i2.968Abstract
This paper explores the potential of non-wood products (NWTPs) to promote circular design in industrial applications in Malaysia and Indonesia. As global attention shifts toward sustainable and renewable materials, NWTPs such as bamboo, rattan, and coconut waste present promising alternatives to traditional wood resources. This study employs a qualitative approach, incorporating literature reviews and case studies, to investigate the material properties, lifecycle potential, and integration of NWTPs in product and industrial design. Key findings indicate that NWTPs are renewable, biodegradable, and locally abundant, aligning with circular economy principles such as reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. However, challenges to adopting NWTPs include limited processing technologies, inconsistent supply chains, and a lack of design-driven innovation in both countries. By mapping existing ecosystems and identifying sustainable design strategies, this paper highlights opportunities to improve material efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. The findings aim to guide designers, industry, and policymakers in fostering a more resilient, bio-based circular economy across Southeast Asia.
Keywords: Non-Wood Timber Products (NWTPs), Circular Design, Sustainable Industrial Applications
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