New palm oil processing methods promise zero waste

Malaysia is the world’s second-largest producer of palm oil, which is used in countless household products and foodstuffs. The country’s 400 odd mills produce massive amounts of waste including kernels and husks from pressed fruits, discarded branches and wastewater known as Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME).

In recent years, palm oil has come under increasing scrutiny for the deforestation and environmental damage associated with its production. While questions remain over its long-term sustainability, reducing the industry’s short-term environmental impact is paramount. Working with local Malaysian partners, the researchers built a zero-waste management system for the mills. The pilot plant, known as the Integrated Waste Recovery and Regeneration System (REGEN), converts all solid biomass waste and POME into building materials and bio-energy.

“Once it is commercialised, our technology will enable palm oil processing facilities to turn oil palm fronds, trunks and empty fruit bunches into dried long fibre for matting, pallets, briquettes and biofuels,” said project lead Professor Denny K S Ng, from Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering in Malaysia.