On September 28-29, 2024 (Sat-Sun), JIRCAS participated in the international cooperation event, “Global Festa JAPAN 2024,” introducing the development of high-value-added technologies for a sustainable palm industry using old oil palm trees while addressing the oil palm industry and related environmental issues.

Palm oil, extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree, is the most produced and consumed vegetable oil in the world. Its applications are diverse, ranging from food products such as margarine and whipped cream to raw materials for soap and cosmetics, making it a familiar presence in our daily lives.

At the JIRCAS booth, actual oil palm fruits and trunks were displayed, along with videos explaining the process involved in recycling felled trunks and leaves. Many visitors at the booth were surprised by the size of the oil palm fruit. Furthermore, they expressed great interest in the fact that JIRCAS’s research activities are contributing to solving environmental problems.

Moving forward, JIRCAS will continue its research on the effective use of agricultural residues (biomass) and proceed with research studies that contribute to the global environment using renewable resources.