03/04/2009 (Bernama), Bangi - The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and South Korea's Dongwha GH International Sdn Bhd will jointly conduct research and development (R&D) specifically for medium density fibreboard production for commercialisation purpose.

MPOB Director-General Datuk Dr Mohd Basri Wahid said as far as the oil palm biomass utilisation technology was concerned, the board had initiated R&D since the 90s.

To date, the MPOB had launched 15 technologies related to oil palm biomass which include production of block-board, particleboard, pulp and paper, medium density fibreboard (MDF), palm lumber and the latest is the fine chemicals extraction and bio-energy.

MPOB opened the "Biomass Technology Centre" in 2001, which is equipped with the MDF pilot plant facilities, he told reporters after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between MPOB and Dongwha GH International on R&D for utilisation of oil palm biomass here Friday.

"Some of the technologies we offered have been successfully commercialised such as plywood, particleboard, pulp and paper and fine chemicals such as cellulose while others are awaiting commercial acceptance," he said.

He said challenges related to commercialisation are oil palm biomass supply chain security and confidence in technologies.

In terms of supply chain of raw materials, MPOB had formed a task group to work on data collection of availability of biomass and to prepare guidelines on utilisation.

MPOB had set up a pilot plant and carried out R&D on MDF production from oil palm biomass.

"I believe with the technological advance and the potential of biomass in the wood-related industry, there is great opportunity for the industry and companies to accept the idea and venture into commercial scale," he said.

Therefore, he said, the collaboration between MPOB and Dongwha in this particular area would further enhance confidence and eventually serve as an impetus for the industry to utilise oil palm biomass.