More than 44,000 hectares of oil palm are due for replanting in 1993/1994. This would involve the felling of approximately 6 million palms. In  addition to the palm fronds available at replanting, fronds are also obtained from pruning during the harvesting fresh fruit brunches. In line with its mission, PORIM’s R&D efforts are geared towards converting these renewable raw materials into high value-added items. besides reducing pollution, this exploitation also provides additional income to the industry by encouraging the development of secondary industries by encouraging the development of secondary industries dependent on oil palm ligno-cellulosic materials. Consequently, PORIM and Muar Hardboards Sendirian Berhad intitiated a commercial venture to convert oil palm fronds and trunks into desk tops and chair seats for schools.

Main Researcher: Kamarudin Hassan