Utilisation of palm oil wastes for biofuel and other value-added bio-products: A holistic approach to sustainable waste management for the palm oil industry

Abstract

Conversion of agricultural wastes into biofuel and other value-added-bio - products has not only benefited the environment but also helped reduce the dependency on natural resources leading to improved lifestyle of humankind. Palm oil wastes (OPW) comprising both solid and liquid residues from the palm oil industry are among the most abundant agricultural wastes in the world. The inefficient method of disposal and management of OPW has necessitated the need to recover value-added products from them. This study reviews the vital characteristics of OPW which present them suitable for the synthesis of value-added bio-products. Simultaneous production of palm oil fresh fruit bunches (FFB) and the utilisation of the plantation wastes for food and animal feed with integration of animal husbandry in the palm oil plantation are discussed. Moreover, the simultaneous conversion of FFB into palm oil and the utilisation of the mill's residues for value-added bio - products are also discussed.