Compostable cutlery from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) biomass

About the Project

This project addresses the growing environmental problem caused by single-use plastic waste, particularly in food packaging and cutlery. Despite Malaysia’s abundant oil palm biomass, especially empty fruit bunches (EFB), its conversion into biodegradable materials remains underutilized. The project aims to develop a fully compostable biocomposite using polylactic acid (PLA), oil palm EFB-derived cellulose, and clay to produce environmentally friendly cutlery or food packaging. The materials will be synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation performance. The project will also provide opportunities for students to collaborate with industry partners, gaining practical experience and facilitating knowledge transfer for potential industrial adoption and sustainable commercialization.

Main Supervisor: Associate Professor Pushpamalar Janarthanan, Monash University

Associate Supervisors: Dr. Ang Chee Wei, Professor Wu Ta Yeong