Merino Industries, a manufacturer of interior solutions, has announced expanded environmental programmes centred on agroforestry, biodiversity zones, and waste management as part of its sustainability strategy.
Agroforestry and Farmer Engagement
The company distributes over 10 million saplings annually across a 150-kilometre radius around its Halol facility in Gujarat, engaging more than 2,500 farmers in nine districts. The initiative converts underutilised land into productive plantations while creating additional income opportunities for rural communities. Farmers receive technical guidance on plantation methods and forestry practices to improve long-term productivity.
The agroforestry model addresses India’s wood-based panel industry’s dependence on consistent raw material supply. Rather than conventional sourcing, Merino encourages farmers to cultivate renewable materials on their land, creating a sustainable supply chain linked to ecological restoration.
Green Zones Within Manufacturing Facilities
Merino has adopted the Miyawaki plantation method at its Hapur facility to develop dense micro-forests. The company has planted over 20,000 tree saplings across multiple locations, creating biodiversity zones within industrial spaces. These green areas function as carbon sinks while providing habitats for local fauna. The presence of peahens nesting within factory premises demonstrates the coexistence of industrial operations with wildlife habitat.
Bamboo Cultivation and Waste Conversion
A five-acre bamboo cultivation zone in Garhmukteshwar, Hapur, forms another component of the initiative. Bamboo’s rapid growth rate and carbon absorption capacity make it valuable for environmental restoration.
Merino converts agricultural and manufacturing organic waste into bio-compost and vermicompost, producing nearly 300 MT annually. This waste-to-resource approach enriches soil quality and supports plantation growth.
Product Integration
The company uses responsibly cultivated wood from its agroforestry ecosystems in products like Merino Marine Board, an engineered chipboard solution. The product meets European E1 emission standards for indoor air quality and offers boiling waterproof performance and enhanced load-bearing capability.
