By: Eur Ing Hong Wai Onn

In an age where the demand for sustainable practices is paramount, industries worldwide are re-evaluating how they use resources and manage waste. Leading this shift is the palm oil industry, a vital participant in the global food and bioenergy supply chain. As the discourse on sustainability gains momentum, incorporating circular economy principles into palm oil production and waste management emerges as a potent approach to mitigate environmental harm and bolster sustainability on the whole.

The concept of the circular economy model paints a picture of a regenerative system that aims to utilise resources with maximum efficiency, reduce waste to a minimum, and extend the lifespan of products through thoughtful design, reuse, and recycling. This marks a significant departure from the conventional linear approach of “take-make-dispose”, and it has been steadily gaining traction across various industries. The driving force behind this shift is the desire to break the link between economic growth and the depletion of resources and environmental harm.

One industry that has faced substantial criticism regarding its environmental impact is the palm oil industry. It’s now at a pivotal juncture, ready for a transformation guided by circular economy principles. These principles can be strategically integrated at various stages of palm oil production to optimise the use of resources and significantly reduce waste. This not only addresses the industry’s sustainability challenges but also positions it as a potential leader in sustainable and responsible resource management.

Agroforestry and Biodiversity Preservation

In the pursuit of circularity, palm oil producers have initiated the adoption of agroforestry practices, fostering a multifaceted approach to sustainability. Through the practice of intercropping palm trees with a diverse range of plant species, a rich tapestry of ecological interactions is being woven, resulting in numerous advantages. This approach not only enhances soil health and fertility, providing a solid foundation for vigorous growth but also fosters a harmonious ecosystem where various plant and animal species coexist and flourish together. The introduction of indigenous trees and plants into palm oil landscapes extends beyond ecological conservation – it becomes a catalyst for broader socioeconomic empowerment. The harmonious coexistence of diverse crops creates a dynamic environment that generates supplementary sources of income for farmers. By cultivating a wide range of produce alongside palm trees, farmers diversify their earnings, leading to greater financial security and bolstering local economic development. This multifaceted landscape not only promotes biodiversity but also secures a sustainable livelihood for communities, effectively embodying the core principles of a circular economy.

Nutrient Recycling and Closed-Loop Systems

Circularity hinges on the efficient utilisation and recycling of resources. Valuable organic waste, like empty fruit bunches (EFB), can be repurposed as natural mulch and returned to the fields. This closed-loop system effectively manages weed growth, mitigates soil erosion, preserves soil moisture, and significantly reduces waste disposal. Conversely, palm oil mill effluent (POME) can find purpose in irrigating fields, helping to alleviate moisture stress on oil palms during prolonged dry seasons.

Furthermore, when applied to the fields, POME can act as a supplementary source of nutrients, benefiting the oil palms. This dual approach not only minimises waste but also optimises resource use, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. Additionally, EFB can be co-composted along with POME, to produce organic fertiliser. The integration of these organic materials within the agricultural cycle enhances soil fertility, fostering healthy and productive palm plantations.

Waste-to-Energy Conversion

Circular palm oil production capitalises on waste as a valuable resource. Residues from palm oil, such as pressed fibres, palm kernel shells, and EFB, are extensively employed as solid fuels in steam boilers within palm oil mills. This practice empowers palm oil mills to attain self-reliance in generating energy and heat. Simultaneously, POME, once seen as a greenhouse gas emitter, now holds potential as a renewable energy source in the form of biogas. Utilising anaerobic digestion, POME is transformed into biogas, which can fuel mill operations and provide energy to neighbouring communities or production facilities adjacent to the mill. Meanwhile, palm sludge oil can be converted to biodiesel. As it is waste-based, biodiesel produced from palm sludge oil has a greenhouse gas emission reduction potential of over 80 per cent as compared to petro-diesel fuels. Furthermore, oil palm biomass, including oil palm trunks (OPT), oil palm fronds (OPF), and EFB, can be upgraded to cellulosic ethanol or second-generation bioethanol. These initiatives not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also minimise the need for external energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Biomass Valorisation

Circular practices go beyond waste reduction to include the conversion of by-products into valuable commodities. Take, for instance, palm kernel cake (PKC), which can be utilised to create a high-protein animal feed known as distiller’s dried grain with solubles (DDGS). DDGS can effectively replace corn and soybean meals in broiler diets without any adverse impacts on performance.

Furthermore, in addition to producing cellulosic ethanol, bio-based sugars like xylose and glucose can be extracted from OPT, OPF, and EFB. These bio-based materials offer sustainable alternatives for various industries, including bioplastics. For example, the simple sugars derived can serve as environmentally friendly building blocks for bio-based monoethylene glycol (MEG), a crucial component in polyethylene terephthalate.

Polyethylene terephthalate is widely used in various applications and is the primary material for manufacturing plastic beverage bottles.

Paving the Way Forward

Amid the urgent challenges of climate change and dwindling resources worldwide, adopting circular economy principles isn’t just essential; it’s also a chance for a positive transformation. The palm oil industry is on the cusp of a significant shift, with the potential to lead the charge in sustainable production and waste management. Through the adoption of circularity, the palm oil sector can move toward a future where it minimises its environmental impact, uses resources efficiently, and transforms the journey from palm fruit to consumer products into a sustainable and regenerative cycle.

Now is the time for the palm oil industry to fully embrace circular economy principles, not only to reduce its environmental impact but also to catalyse enduring change across the global supply chain. In doing so, palm oil can redefine its role and position itself as a pioneering force in the transition toward a circular and sustainable future.

-- BERNAMA

Eur Ing Hong Wai Onn is a Chartered Chemical Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Royal Society of Chemistry. He is also the author of ‘A Chemical Engineer in the Palm Oil Milling Industry’.