Nine circular strategy approach for the sustainable management of waste in the palm oil industry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Only a tiny portion of the fresh palm oil fruit harvested can be converted into oil products. The majority of the harvested produce is discarded, indicating that it has not been utilized to its fullest potential. Applying a nine strategy principle (refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, renew, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, and recover), palm oil waste can be converted into valuable products. This study aims to identify and assess potential options for implementing the nine strategy principle (refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, renew, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, and recover) circular strategy in the palm oil industry from the perspectives of economic, environmental, and social benefits.METHODS: Field observations were conducted in three palm oil mills as case studies. Assessment is performed throughout every segment of the palm oil production chain, ranging from oil palm nurseries and palm plantations to the stages of harvesting, transportation, and palm oil processing. The nine strategy principle (refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, renew, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, and recover) framework is used to identify implementation options that focus on reducing resource consumption in the production chain (refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, renew, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, and recover). Assessing the sustainability of the palm oil industry involves an analysis of three primary advantages: economic, environmental, and social factors.FINDINGS: The quantity of palm oil waste in the form of palm oil mill effluent is approx. 2.88 tons, empty fruit bunches 1.06 tons, mesocarp fiber 0.60 tons, and palm oil shell 0.33 tons per ton crude palm oil produced. A significant portion of waste is not subjected to optimal management practices. Various effective methods for waste management have been identified as potential solutions. The advancement of these techniques can be implemented at multiple stages within the crude palm oil production chain, encompassing both the cultivation phase and the processing facilities for palm oil. The most potential circularity strategies applied to the palm oil industry can increase the added value of oil palm wastes compared to current management practices. The implementation of the nine strategic principles, refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, renew, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, and recover, not only enhances value and benefits but also contributes to a significant decrease in waste disposal and the reliance on primary inputs such as synthetic fertilizers and non-renewable energy.CONCLUSION: Various products derived from palm oil waste are considered as potential, such as construction materials, particle board, pulp and paper, bioenergy, bio-char/soil amendment, bio-pellets and bio-briquettes, organic fertilizer/compost, animal feed, bioenergy, and electrical energy from biogas, and microalgae-based products. By adopting the nine strategic principles of refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, renew, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, and recover, the palm oil industry can make substantial progress towards zero discharge. This framework is instrumental in promoting sustainability and stimulating regenerative innovation in the industry's operational practices.