Sustainable and integrated palm oil biorefinery concept with value-addition of biomass and zero emission system

The problem of biomass residues and effluent from the palm oil milling process has become a big concern for the industry, the public and the environment. Furthermore, the modern palm oil mill can no longer rely solely on traditional crude palm oil and palm kernel products for profit generation. In order to remain truly sustainable in the future, we propose the solid biomass residues and liquid effluent to be managed and utilized via a biorefinery concept to generate new value-added products, in-line with zero emission system. Modern and efficient boiler and turbine systems utilizing biomass and biogas captured from the anaerobic effluent treatment can provide the steam and electricity required for the palm oil mill operations. The solid biomass residues can be channeled towards the production of value-added products such as biofertiliser, biochar, biofuels and biomaterials. The liquid final discharge can be further treated to meet river water quality, making it suitable to be recycled - hence achieving zero emission. Such an integrated approach will not only solve the issue of proper biomass disposal and effluent treatment, but also more importantly create a win-win-win situation for profit, people and planet - the three pillars of sustainability. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.