Enhancing the sustainability of the sawn rubberwood industry through resource-efficient and cleaner production approaches

The sawn rubberwood industry plays a pivotal role in Thailand's economy, yet it poses significant environmental challenges due to its resource-intensive production processes. This study seeks to address these challenges by applying Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production methodologies, aimed at enhancing sustainability in the sector. A comprehensive methodological framework was employed to assess and optimize resource utilization, mitigate environmental risks, and improve eco-efficiency throughout the production cycle. The study's key findings demonstrate a substantial 28.31% reduction in raw material intensity, a decrease of 48 kgCO 2 eq. in greenhouse gas emissions, and a remarkable 76.23% increase in eco-efficiency. These results underscore the efficacy of cleaner production technologies in enhancing resource consumption, minimizing environmental impact, and improving overall production efficiency. Additionally, the integration of circular economy principles, such as repurposing sawdust for fuel in boilers, further reduced fuel consumption and contributed to a more sustainable production model. The implications of this research suggest that adopting RECP approaches not only facilitates regulatory compliance but also positions the sawn rubberwood industry as a model for achieving broader sustainability goals. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need for the future expansion of RECP strategies to other industrial sectors. It recommends further optimization of clean technologies through the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and data science, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive analytics. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of advancing air pollution control technologies to further enhance environmental performance and operational efficiency. • RECP approaches integrate sustainability holistically in the sawn rubberwood factory. • RECP improves efficiency, reduces health risks, and ensures regulatory compliance. • Air pollution is the most critical environmental risk for a sawn rubberwood factory. • Design air pollution systems using sawdust biomass to reduce steam boiler emissions. • Eco Factory models focus on sustainable practices for sawn rubberwood production.