The palm oil industry, a cornerstone of Indonesia’s economy, faces significant environmental challenges due to the large quantities of waste generated during crude palm oil (CPO) production. This waste, including solids, liquids, and gases, can pollute the environment if not managed properly. A key byproduct, empty fruit bunches (EFB), accounts for a substantial 23-28% of the fresh fruit processed. This issue is further compounded by the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers, a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Recent research by Faradillah Raynita Yusuf, Suprihatin Suprihatin, and Nastiti Siswi Indrasti, published in Environmental Challenges, investigates how repurposing EFB into organic fertilizer and biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More can significantly improve the environmental performance and sustainability of the palm oil industry.

The study, which utilized a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach across three Indonesian palm oil mills, found that the largest source of GHG emissions comes from synthetic fertilizer use. On average, synthetic fertilizer application per hectare could be reduced by approximately 75.27% when using organic fertilizers derived from EFB, and by 34.85% when using biochar from EFB. This reduction not only lowers synthetic fertilizer input costs but also significantly decreases GHG emissions.

Empty fruit bunches (EFB) possess a high fiber, lignin, and cellulose content, making them ideal for conversion into organic fertilizer or biochar. Composting EFB yields an organic fertilizer rich in essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, improving soil water retention and overall fertility. This directly reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers, thereby cutting down emissions from their production and application.

Alternatively, processing EFB into biochar through pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More offers additional benefits. EFB biochar boasts high porosityPorosity of biochar is a key factor in its effectiveness as a soil amendment and its ability to retain water and nutrients. Biochar’s porosity is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature, and it plays a crucial role in microbial activity and overall soil health. Biochar More, enhancing water and nutrient absorption in the soil, which in turn increases fertilizer efficiency. Biochar is also stable, capable of storing carbon for extended periods, and thus actively contributes to reducing overall carbon emissions. The application of EFB biochar as a soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More can increase plant productivity and decrease the need for external inputs like chemical fertilizers, a major source of emissions in oil palm cultivation.

The study’s findings reveal substantial environmental improvements. For instance, in one palm oil mill (POM 3), the total Global Warming Potential (GWP) was 288.37 kg CO2 eq/ton CPO under existing conditions. With the organic fertilizer scenario, this was reduced to 215.56 kg CO2 eq/ton CPO, a decrease of 71.92 kg CO2 eq/ton CPO. Even more impressively, the biochar scenario reduced GWP to 216.09 kg CO2 eq/ton CPO, representing a reduction of 71.39 kg CO2 eq/ton CPO. Overall, the reduction in GWP due to the provision of organic fertilizers ranges from 26 to 85 kg CO2/ton CPO (1-15% reduction), while biochar application leads to a reduction of 26 to 90 kg CO2/ton CPO (1-16% reduction).

Beyond environmental benefits, the utilization of EFB waste also presents economic advantages. Partial substitution of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers from EFB results in significant input cost savings due to the abundance and low cost of the raw material. While biochar production requires a higher initial investment for pyrolysis equipment, it offers long-term agronomic benefits such as improved water retention and nutrient uptake efficiency.

The implementation of these strategies, which involve converting EFB into organic fertilizer and biochar for land application, effectively closes the nutrient loop within the palm oil industry, fostering a circular economy. This approach not only improves the environmental performance of CPO production but also enhances its sustainability.

However, the study acknowledges certain limitations, including uncertainties in LCA data and reliance on theoretical estimates for fertilizer substitution rates. Future research is recommended to include long-term field trials to validate these findings regarding production yields, actual emissions, and soil conditions across different land types and climates. Additionally, techno-economic assessments and social life cycle analyses are crucial for understanding the feasibility of large-scale industrial implementation and its broader impacts on local communities.

Source: Yusuf, F. R., Suprihatin, S., & Indrasti, N. S. (2025). Improving the environmental performance of palm oil industry through the utilization of empty oil palm bunches as organic fertilizer and biochar for soil amendment. Environmental Challenges, 19, 101185.