Circular innovation in agribusiness: from the laboratory to the industrial plant in palm biomass valorization

Abstract

This paper entitled “Circular innovation in agribusiness: from the laboratory to the industrial plant in palm biomass valorization” presents the model developed by MIDAS Agroalimentos for the valorization of mesocarp fiber, a by-product of palm oil extraction traditionally used to generate steam and energy.

The author highlights how, through physical and mechanical unit operations —screening, fluidized-bed drying, pneumatic separation and hydrocyclone separation—, mesocarp fiber is transformed into NutPalm, an animal feed input, generating greater efficiency, waste reduction, diversification of value-added products and increased revenue streams for extraction plants.

One of the central aspects of the work is the scale-up from pilot to industrial plant: the case is presented of a MIDAS plant installed at an extraction facility that processes 150,000 t of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) per year, producing 3,752 t/year of NutPalm, at a production cost of $229,000 COP per ton.

The social and environmental benefits of the model are also presented: reduced methane (CH4) emissions in cattle fed with NutPalm, an approximately 20% reduction in GHG emissions associated with transporting surplus fiber, a 20-30% reduction in waste generation, and a carbon footprint for the MIDAS plant of 15 t CO2eq total (7.8 kg CO2eq/t of NutPalm) in 2024.

Finally, the study addresses the model's future needs and challenges, including the use of empty fruit bunches and black soldier fly larvae for producing larvae meal from organic residues of the palm sector. In this regard, the importance of collaboration among the productive sector, academia and promotion entities is highlighted to promote the economic viability of palm biomass valorization in Colombia.