Thailand’s first SBP certificate marks a new chapter in sustainable biomass

Amid the orderly rows of rubberwood plantations in Southern Thailand, the hum of sawmills and the careful handling of timber reflect a delicate balance between industry and the environment. It is here that PT Parawood Co., Ltd has achieved a national first: becoming the first company in Thailand to receive certification under the Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP), following an independent assessment carried out by Preferred by Nature.

Nadthanan Junpratug (Dom), Country Representative for Preferred by Nature in Thailand, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “Awarding the first SBP certificate in Thailand to PT Parawood is more than a milestone. It shows that sustainable biomass can be produced responsibly while supporting local communities and protecting forests.”

The certification demonstrates PT Parawood’s commitment to responsible sourcing, transparent operations, and traceable supply chains. For the company, this achievement is the result of decades of careful management and continuous investment in practices designed to align industrial production with environmental responsibility.

From plantation to production

PT Parawood sources rubberwood exclusively from long-established plantations across Southern Thailand, where rubber cultivation has long been embedded in local economies. Every stage of processing, whether at the plantation, the Sadao sawmill, or the Lampod and Trang production sites, is closely monitored to ensure feedstock is handled responsibly and in line with international sustainability requirements.

The company also maintains detailed energy and carbon records across its operations. These records allow PT Parawood to demonstrate the environmental footprint of its activities and its adherence to international reporting standards; a core expectation under the SBP framework.

Mikhail Rai, Senior Biomass Programme Specialist and lead auditor, emphasised the robustness of the company’s approach. “PT Parawood has integrated mass balance, feedstock verification, and carbon reporting into its daily operations in a way that is both thorough and practical,” he said.

Verifying sustainability on the ground

Achieving SBP certification required a comprehensive and independent evaluation. Auditors reviewed PT Parawood’s Supply Base Evaluation (SBE), consulted with local authorities and stakeholders, and assessed a range of environmental and social risks. These included land use practices, the presence of high conservation value areas and the effectiveness of systems designed to mitigate potential impacts.

The audit confirmed that PT Parawood’s systems meet SBP standards as well as the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) requirements, underscoring the reliability and transparency of its operations. A follow-up visit to the Sadao facility in November 2025 confirmed that these standards are applied consistently across all production sites.

With this certification, Thailand joins an expanding network of countries demonstrating that biomass production can meet rigorous sustainability criteria. PT Parawood’s achievement serves as a clear reference point for other producers in the region, demonstrating how international standards can be embedded in everyday operations while supporting regional development and environmental stewardship.

Photos courtesy of PT Parawood

For more information about the SBP Framework, visit the official SBP website. 
If you would like to learn more about SBP certification or explore certification options, visit Preferred by Nature’s SBP service page.