KUCHING: Samling is committed to promoting environmental sustainability by developing biomass as a crucial component of its business.
According to its chief executive officer (CEO) Lawrence Chia, “Biomass is an alternative to fossil fuels, and this means it’s better for the environment. That’s important to us.”
Biomass refers to wood-based materials derived from trees that absorb carbon dioxide prior to harvesting, and which are then turned into wood pellets that serve as a substitute for fossil fuels.
This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide that fossil fuels emit into the environment, as well as reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, as new trees are planted in place of harvested ones, creating a biomass-based circular economy.
Chia stated that Samling’s goal is to maximize the use of residual wood resources in the best possible way, emphasising that the company sees biomass as an important part of ensuring a more sustainable future for Malaysia.
In 2019, Samling established its first wood pellet plant in Bintulu and today operates the TreeOne Megapellet plant, which has shipped pellets to Japan and Korea for use by independent power producers.
He also said that the plant has also obtained the Sustainable Biomass Programme certification, allowing it to export to Europe.
The timber company sees biomass as a complement to its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda, along with its policies of sustainable forest management and achieving forest management certification.
Chia explained, “While we’re happy with our foray into biomass, we’re far from satisfied. We want to do more where biomass is concerned. Samling is committed to environmental sustainability and we’re just getting started.”
Samling’s efforts have been recognised at the Asia Carbon Conference 2023, where it received the Sustainable Biomass Programme certification for TreeOne Megapellet Sdn Bhd from Control Union Certification.
The presentation was attended by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premier and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister for International Trade and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Sara Carbon Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Yaw Chee Ming.
