Optimization of clean technology practices for the Thai crude palm oil industry

Abstract

The combination of clean technology, industrial econlogy and triad network analysis seems to be agood approach in handling environmental impact from crude palm oil industry in Thailand. To improve the environmental performance of Thai crude palm oil industry by applying these theory, we have to identify clean technologies and the theoretical and practical assessment of these technologies and to analyze and access the possibilities and the potency for improving the environmental performance of the mill, based on the combination and integration of existing clean technology and industrial ecology approach. For this Therefore case study research offers the most relevant methodology. Within this case study, the issues to be concerned are to evaluate the evvironmental performance of existing production processes, to identify cleaner technology options, to assess the feasibility of cleaner production and waste exchange application in Thailand. Finally the concept of the triad-network approach is use to analyse the implementation barriers for cleaner production and to develop strategies to overcome these barriers. These case studies reveal that clean technology and industrial ecosystem is needed for crude palm oil industry by reuse, recycle, and utilization of solid and liquid waste and appropriate energy management to achieve the goal of almost zero discharge of pollutants concepts. Then the palm oil mill become an environmental friendly industry. To move crude palm oil industry in Thailand more sustainable, the national policy frameworks and strategies for the achievement of clean technology and waste exchange should be reform. The first initiative is the establishment of Thai Palm Oil institute (TPOI), a government unit, to take care of crude palm oil industry complex. This government unit should play important role to enhance the production efficiency of Thai palm oil industry through R&D and also encompasses registration and enforcement activities to ensure the competitiveness and sustainablity of this industry. The second initiative is involves strengthening economic drivers of environmental performance, including palm oil millers and oil palm planters by organizing Thai Palm Oil Association (TPOA) in order to link between government institute and various actors of palm oil industry. The TPOA should be a representative of planters and millers in TPOI and involves in policy planning of the industry and provides information on technologies that are related to production and waste management. Consequently, government should encourage the growth of such industry by expand investment in downstream, including refinery, oleochemical industry, and food processing products.