Agricultural waste in plywood industry: From challenges to opportunities for a sustainable development
Air pollution from the indiscriminate burning of agricultural waste is a pressing issue in many developing countries, especially those with large agricultural sectors like Vietnam. According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), each year, the burning of straw in the fields releases hundreds of millions of tons of CO2 and many other harmful substances into the environment, severely affecting public health and causing significant economic losses. Especially in the Northeast side, during the harvest season, the concentration of Particulate Matter(PM) in the air often increases several times due to the rampant burning of straw, causing a severe deterioration in air quality.
With the current situation, utilizing agricultural waste as fuel in plywood manufacturing plants is not only a practical solution to reduce environmental pollution but also opens up opportunities for sustainable development for both the agricultural and industrial sectors. However, to succeed in this transition, businesses need to have a well-structured investment strategy in modern emission treatment technology and establish a strict operational process.
Gas emission treatment technology is being pioneered by businesses, including a multi-stage dust filtration system with an efficiency that can exceed 99%, combined with toxic gas treatment solutions such as alkaline absorption towers and NOx treatment systems. At the same time, closely controlling combustion conditions and continuously monitoring emissions also play a crucial role in ensuring processing efficiency. Although the initial investment cost is not small, this is a necessary investment that brings long-term value to the business.
Throughout investing in clean technology and environmentally friendly production processes, businesses not only contribute to reducing pollution but also create a positive ripple effect in the community. Utilizing agricultural waste as fuel, if it is done systematically and responsibly, will create a circular economy model that benefits many sides.
It is worth mentioning that the application of modern technological solutions in gas emission treatment not only helps businesses comply with environmental regulations but also enhances their position and reputation. When people see the genuine efforts of businesses in protecting the environment, they will support and be willing to cooperate in providing input materials, creating a sustainable value chain.
However, to thoroughly resolve this issue, a synchronized effort from both the political system and society is needed. Policies banning the burning of straw in the fields need to be strictly enforced, alongside creating favorable conditions for businesses to invest in clean technology. At the same time, farmers need to be supported to actively participate in the agricultural waste supply chain, turning “waste” into a significant supplementary income source.
Looking to the future, the trend of using agricultural by-products in industry is not limited to the plywood manufacturing sector but can be expanded to many other fields. This requires further strong investment in research and technology development, training high-quality human resources, and building a comprehensive environmental management system. Only when these factors are ensured can we expect a green and sustainable future for both the agricultural and industrial sectors of the country.
It can be said that utilizing agricultural by-products in industrial production in general and the plywood industry in particular is an inevitable trend in the context of sustainable development today. The success of this model not only brings practical economic benefits but also contributes to solving urgent environmental issues, creating a model of harmonious development between the economy and the environment in the new era.