Utilizing Sago (Metroxylon spp) Bark Waste for Value Added Products

摘要

Sago barks are prospectus for bio-composite in technical and for resource availability consideration. The area under sago cultivation in wild and semi-wild condition is estimated at 19,720 hectares. Today, the total area planted with sago is over 28,000 hectares. Sago (metroxylon spp.) bark is waste material in the sago production industries. The locals use the barks of the trunk as timber fuel, temporary walls, ceilings and fences. At present, sago barks are processed through bio-composite method to produce sago plywood and particleboards, which have potential in building material. However the process does not utilize the natural feature and the beauty surface of the sago bark. The aim is to create products that involve recycling waste sago barks into value added products that is good in appearance, performance and reliability. Through the exploitation of sago bark waste, a promising materials resources to be used for global environmental conservation and sustainable development.