KUCHING: The planting of RT-Paulownia trees is a feasible way of making a positive impact on climate change.
TSG Green founder cum executive chairman Datuk Chris Chung said the tree species was recognised as a carbon sink, and able to efficiently and effectively absorb greenhouse gases.
“On average, RT-Paulownia trees planted in one acre of land can absorb 103 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per annum.
“This is 10 times more than what most tree species can absorb, ranging from 1.1 to 9.5 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum,” he said when speaking at the launch of TSG Green’s RT-Paulownia Tissue Culture Laboratory here on Thursday (Nov 18).
From the economic sustainability viewpoint, he said RT-Paulownia represented an extremely viable option due to growing global demand.
“Through our tried and tested approach, with proof of concept and immediate readiness for economies of scale, we intend to sell and supply RT-Paulownia seedlings throughout Sarawak.
“We have mastered the tissue culture biotechnology and our tissue culture lab currently produces an average of 1.8 million clones on an annual basis.”
Chung added that the RT-Paulownia’s remarkable qualities made it ideal for the downstream segment in producing building materials, including sawn timber and plywood, to interior decoration, furniture, fire door panels, musical instruments, and water sports materials, and so on.
“The upstream segment, such as Licensed Planted Forest holders and major land owners, can also explore the possibilities offered by RT-Paulownia. Being fast growing and the ability to regenerate over six cycles present an attractive return of investment which is sustainable over the long term.
“From the socioeconomic perspective, local Sarawakians now have the option to plant RT-Paulownia trees. Whether on five or 10 acres of idle lands, this is a very practical alternative to other crops such as oil palm.”
He revealed that TSG Green would also collaborate with prospective partners and the local community to share the knowledge of planting and caring for RT-Paulownia trees.
“This is to ensure that the optimum yield and quality can be attained, add value to the idle lands, and generate handsome income for landowners.
“TSG Green is also hopeful of making a meaningful contribution to the state government’s initiative of planting 35 million trees by 2025.”
