KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s sustainable furniture segment remains underdeveloped and risks missing out on growing global demand unless more manufacturers step up certification and green compliance, according to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM).

FRIM researcher and expert in wood and furniture technology Khairul Masseat said while global markets, particularly Europe and other advanced economies, are accelerating their shift towards eco-certified products, Malaysia’s green furniture ecosystem is still in its infancy.

“For sustainable furniture in the global market, not yet,” he said, when asked about Malaysia’s competitiveness abroad. “Only three companies are listed under MyHijau for green furniture. We need more companies to register,” Khairul told SunBiz at the Malaysian International Furniture Fair 2026.

MyHijau is managed by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), which maintains a directory of certified green products and services eligible for government green procurement.

Khairul noted that while some Malaysian manufacturers already export extensively, many have yet to formally position themselves under recognised green certification schemes.

“There are companies doing sustainable practices, but they focus on the local market and do not necessarily apply for MyHijau listing,” he said.

The challenge, he added, is not merely branding but structural, involving cost pressures, raw material consistency and fragmented supply chains.

“The biggest challenges are price and sustainable or continuous supply, especially for solid wood,” Khairul said.

While engineered boards such as MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and particleboard already meet E1-grade emission standards and are considered relatively green, other components in furniture manufacturing, including plastics, metals, adhesives, foam, and fabrics, pose greater compliance hurdles.

“Sponge and glue, for example, are more difficult. It is not only about wood,” Khairu said

Cost remains a key barrier, particularly in a price-sensitive domestic market. “When there are not many green furniture products, the price is high because the demand for the material is still new. So the end user has to pay more.”

Khairul acknowledged that Malaysian consumers are not yet fully attuned to the value proposition of sustainable furniture, with many prioritising affordability, especially through online platforms.

“We need more campaigns to create awareness. Customers need to understand the importance of sustainable furniture,” he said, adding that policy support exists but may require stronger execution.

“MGTC is the champion for green products, not just furniture. But I think it is not enough yet,” Khairul said.

Beyond certification, FRIM is positioning itself as a full-cycle research and development platform to help manufacturers bridge capability gaps.

Through its InnoFrame initiative, FRIM supports raw material research, sustainable material development, design specifications, prototyping, product testing and commercialisation.

The institute operates ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories capable of testing furniture durability, structural strength, fire resistance and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

“We focus on sustainability and sustainable raw material, green raw material,” Khairul said.

FRIM’s facilities include a large-scale emission chamber capable of testing full furniture sets, such as a queen-sized bed, for VOC emissions, going beyond standard small-sample testing.

“Normally, VOC testing is done on small samples. Now we can test the whole set,” Khairul said, noting that safety and health considerations are increasingly critical, especially in export markets.

Certification under FRIM’s product certification scheme is valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits and random sampling to ensure ongoing compliance.

Certified companies can then apply for MyHijau listing, strengthening their eligibility for green procurement and export positioning.

Market trends, meanwhile, are evolving. Khairul said rising urbanisation, smaller living spaces and lifestyle changes in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Baru are driving demand for smart, multifunctional and space-saving furniture segments that can align naturally with sustainable design principles.

At the same time, export markets are placing stronger emphasis on ESG and environmentally responsible sourcing, mirroring regulatory tightening seen in sectors such as timber and palm oil.

“Nowadays, export and local markets, including government procurement, are more focused on green products,” he said.

Industry players that delay adoption may find themselves squeezed between rising compliance expectations abroad and intensifying competition at home through e-commerce platforms.

For Khairul, the way forward is clear – scale, certification and awareness.

“Students and companies need to focus more on sustainability and green products. Then we can meet Malaysia’s and global requirements,” he said.

 The Sun Malaysia