FSC APAC Change Agent Series - Outstanding Business Showcase: ASUS

What innovative steps has ASUS taken to scale up its use of FSC-certified materials?

Building on these early efforts, ASUS accelerated its innovation in 2023 by introducing patent-protected paper handles and glue-free packaging solutions, a practical advancements that further minimized environmental impact. In 2024, ASUS extended the use of FSC-certified materials beyond packaging and into product design with the launch of the ProArt PA602 and PA401 Wood Edition computer cases. Here, handles, I/O panels, and front panels were reimagined using responsibly sourced FSC-certified ash wood, achieving a 50% reduction in carbon footprint compared to conventional plastic components. By integrating FSC-certified materials into both packaging and product design, ASUS sets a new industry benchmark for circular product development and measurable sustainability impact.

Why did ASUS choose ash wood over other materials like walnut for the ProArt PA602 Wood Edition?

ASUS employs the principles of Design Thinking to drive innovation in product development, focusing on understanding customers’ desirability and identifying optimal solutions that balance technology feasibility and business viability. Ash wood was selected for its superior durability—30% harder than walnut on the Janka hardness scale—and its alignment with minimalist design trends. This choice not only enhances the product’s aesthetic appeal but also reflects ASUS’s commitment to sustainable sourcing. 

What challenges did ASUS face when incorporating natural wood into tech products?

Integrating natural wood presented unique challenges for ASUS’s R&D team. Unlike uniform plastic materials, wood’s natural grain required advanced techniques to achieve consistency and durability. To address these complexities, ASUS developed a meticulous six-step woodworking process:

1. Selected Ash Woods: Carefully sourced FSC-certified ash wood ensures quality and sustainability.
2. Thermowood Process: Heat treatment enhances durability by improving resistance to pests and moisture.
3. Shaping: Precision cutting ensures each component fits seamlessly into the product design.
4. Surface Grinding: Smooth finishing refines texture for seamless integration.
5. Protective Coatings: Exterior coatings enhance durability while maintaining natural aesthetics.
6. Low-Sheen Finish: Final treatments provide an elegant appearance aligned with modern design trends.
7. These steps ensured that the ProArt PA602 Wood Edition achieved both functional reliability and visual sophistication while reducing environmental impact.

What does the ProArt PA602 Wood Edition symbolize for ASUS’s sustainability vision?

The ProArt PA602 Wood Edition is more than just a product. It reflects ASUS’s dedication to creating solutions that benefit both consumers and the planet. By replacing plastic components with FSC certified ash wood and expanding the use of FSC certified materials in our packaging, ASUS continues to show how sustainability can drive meaningful innovation while supporting responsible forestry for future generations.

ASUS’s FSC-certified material journey shows how practical experiments-like rethinking packaging and even select product components can translate sustainability goals into real-world action. As we continue to study these cases, we invite other businesses to draw from these examples, adapt what works, and share their own progress. The landscape is evolving, and each new initiative, whether incremental or bold, helps move the industry forward. For more information about ASUS’s sustainability journey, please visit the official website.