Palm Oil Waste and Composting Process: A Sustainable Approach for MSPO Practices

Abstract

The rapid expansion of palm oil production, while economically beneficial, has created significant environmental challenges due to the generation of waste byproducts such as empty fruit bunches (EFB), palm oil mill effluent (POME), palm kernel shells (PKS), and fibers. Palm oil mills discharge approximately 2.5 tonnes of POME, 0.9 tonnes of EFB, 0.6 tonnes of mesocarp fibers, and 0.27 tonnes of shells per tonne of crude palm oil produced, contributing significantly to environmental issues if untreated (Irvan, 2018). Sustainable management of these wastes is essential, particularly in aligning with the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification standards. Recent studies highlight the potential of composting as a primary waste management strategy, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to landfilling (Hau et al., 2020). This paper explores the types of palm oil waste, examines composting processes as viable management strategies, and highlights the potential for transforming waste into valuable products. While challenges such as technical barriers and economic constraints exist, innovative solutions such as modular biogas systems and carbon-neutral pyrolysis processes are discussed. By leveraging advancements in waste management, the palm oil industry can adopt a circular economy model to achieve environmental sustainability and economic resilience.