The potential of biomass waste in Malaysian palm oil industry: A case study of Boustead Plantation Berhad

Oil palm (Elaeis Guineensis) is considered to be one of the most valuable crops in Malaysia, helping to revolutionize its economic and agricultural scenario. Unfortunately, the developing oil palm industries in Malaysia have led to significant waste disposal concerns because of the accumulation of large quantities of oil palm waste. During the process of converting fresh fruit bunches (FFB) into crude palm oils (CPO), various types of oil palm waste are generated including oil palm trunks (OPT), oil palm fronds (OPF), empty fruit bunches (EFB), palm pressed fibers (PPF), palm kernel shells (PKS), and palm oil mill effluents (POME). Waste produced by the oil palm industry is still economically viable because it can be used in various ways since it is a promising material for the generation of renewable energy, as well as a source of chemical compounds, fertilizers, and biomaterials. The study concentrates on Boustead Plantation Berhad, one of Malaysia's most experienced and developed upstream oil palm plantation businesses. The production of oil palm waste is abundant since oil palm plantations and oil palm mills are scattered throughout Malaysia, with the company controlling 48 oil palm plantations and 10 palm oil mills. The goal of this study was to recognize the potential for oil palm waste to provide information on its potential for further use. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out innovative studies to increase the added value of oil palm, reduce waste, and make the oil palm industry more competitive.