Comparative papermaking properties of oil-palm empty fruit bunch

Malaysia is the world's largest producer of palm oil, accounting for 51% (6.5 million metric tons) of worldwide production. Malaysia also generates 30 million metric tons annually of oil-palm biomass, including trunks, fronds, and empty fruit bunches. Currently, these residues are mulched, burned as fuel, or simply burned in the fields. Although field burning is an economical option for disposing of these materials, it is a significant source of environmental pollution. The use of these residues in papermaking could solve the disposal problem while serving as an alternative fiber source in a region with scarce wood resources.