Identification of potential application of oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB): a review

Abstract

Abstract The palm oil industry is one industry that significantly contributes to the Indonesian economy. Indonesia’s palm oil exports keep increasing every year. In addition to producing CPO, the palm industry also produces solid, liquid and gaseous waste. The resulting waste can pollute the environment. Solid waste from the palm industry consists of oil palm empty fruit bunches, fruit juice fiber, palm kernel cake, shells and other solid waste. Of the various types of solid waste produced, oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) is the largest waste. The comparison of EFB waste management is presented in this paper. In recent years, various kinds of EFB handling have been implemented by researchers in order to increase the usefulness and added value of EFB. These range from simple technologies to advanced technologies. EFB has been used as a potential source of raw materials, such as raw materials for biofuels, mulch, papermaking materials, compost and agricultural biochar production. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each technology and new technology proposals.