Preserving Tradition with Technology: CO₂ Laser Engraving of Lampung Tapis on Wood Waste

The traditional motif known as Tapis holds profound artistic and cultural value for the Lampung ethnic group. Promoting and preserving this motif is imperative to ensure its continued recognition within and beyond the Lampung region. A promising solution addresses this issue by applying innovative, creative, and solution-oriented technologies like CO2 laser engraving on wood waste. The CO2 laser engraving system changes electrical power into infrared radiation, enabling it to produce precise designs on various materials. The material’s artistic and economic value increases when a CO2 laser engraves the Tapis motif onto wood waste. Using wood as a carbon-rich medium supports carbon storage and can help avoid greenhouse gas emissions that are otherwise associated with open burning or uncontrolled decomposition of wood waste. This study evaluated the impact of different laser power levels (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 W) on the appearance of Meranti wood surfaces after engraving. The evaluation of brightness (L*), red/green chromaticity (a*), and yellow/blue chromaticity (b*), along with overall color change (∆E*), was conducted using the CIE-Lab system, in conjunction with consumer preference assessments. Quantitatively, L*, a*, and b* decreased from 72.35, 12.33, and 18.49 in the control to 32.03, 1.21, and 5.73 at 7.5 W as maximum laser power, respectively. Consistent with these shifts, ΔE* increased from 30.04 at 2.5 W to 42.52 at 5 W and 43.73 at 7.5 W, all categorized as “total color change”. The consumer evaluation favored darkened color modifications. The results clearly demonstrate that CO2 laser technology not only enhances the visual appeal of wood waste products through engraving but also adds economic value and promotes environmental sustainability by capturing carbon. This powerful combination highlights the technology’s potential as a sustainable and profitable solution for wood waste utilization.