Developing Engineered Wood Products from Natural Fibers to Advance Sustainability in the Philippines

Abstract

Philippines, home to diverse natural resources and an agriculture-based economy, is increasingly pressured to practice sustainability in the construction and manufacturing sectors. This article investigated the production of engineered wood products from natural fibres and agricultural residues to enhance sustainability and resource optimization. It considers using native raw materials such as bamboo, abaca, coconut husks, banana stalks, rice straw, and peanut shells for new building materials, including more sustainable particleboard, fiberboard and engineered wood. These materials have satisfactory mechanical properties and provide eco-friendly solutions to replace wood and solve deforestation, agrowaste accumulation, and rural economic inequality. The findings focused on new processing methods, product performance, resin development, policy, industry collaboration, and research driving innovation. Although facing real challenges such as variability of quality, low scalability and lack of infrastructure, the Philippines is in a good position to become a regional leader in engineered wood products from sustainable sources. The authors also highlighted the perspectives for research, policy, and industry collaborations that will maximize the opportunities offered by such natural fibre reinforced composites to foster the development of a circular low carbon economy.