FIRCA and APROMAC explore a new way to valorize end-of-life rubberwood

FIRCA and APROMAC held a provisional presentation of a study on the health effects of using rubberwood as fuel at FIRCA headquarters on September 28, 2026. The study found that rubberwood is no more polluting than other forest species and has a calorific value comparable to teak and Acacia mangium. Burning the wood with its bark at a moisture content of 25 to 50 percent could sharply reduce fine particles and carbon monoxide. The findings may inform public policy as the PURE program plans to establish 50,000 hectares of rubber plantations annually for the next ten years.