Life cycle assessment analysis of empty fruit bunches utilization: A case study in Riau province

Palm oil consumption has risen due to an increasing preference for vegetable oil. However, this growth in the palm oil industry has given rise to various challenges, especially concerning environmental issues and emissions. This study evaluated the ecological consequences of using empty palm fruit bunches in plantations and furnaces and utilizing solid waste from empty fruit bunches as a renewable energy source. The research findings indicate that, for a 30 tons/hour capacity, the total greenhouse gas emissions (GWP) in the furnace and plantation management amount to 234.72 kg CO2 eq and 234.69 kg CO2 eq, respectively. The acidification impact (0.51 kg SO2 eq) and the eutrophication (0.95 kg PO4 eq) in the plantation and the furnace. For a 60 tons/hour capacity, the total GWP increases to 328.59 kg CO2 eq in the furnace and 328.37 kg CO2 eq in the plantation. Furthermore, acidification (0.73 kg SO2 eq) and eutrophication (1.33 kg PO4 eq) impacts persist in both the plantation and furnace stages. The primary concern highlighted in this research is furnace management, particularly concerning the oil content. Additionally, the production stage emphasizes the importance of raw materials as another critical hotspot. The study recommends implementing technological changes and adopting preventive maintenance practices to minimize the oil content in empty fruit bunches to mitigate the environmental impact during crude palm oil (CPO) production stages; utilizing empty fruit bunches as renewable energy presents an option to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.