Overview

Through POPSIG connection, KLK hosted Professor Naomi Shibasaki-Kitakawa and Dr Kousuke Hiromori from Japan at Menara KLK during Professor Kitakawa's visit to Malaysia on 20th July 2023.

The meeting between Malaysian company and Japanese experts was attended by:

• Process Technology Division, Corporate Engineering, Kuala Lumpur-Kepong Berhad, Malaysia
  • Mr Leong Tat Loong, General Manager
  • Ms Kan Wei Lee, Senior Manager
  • Dr Leong Jun Xing, Technologist
• Tohoku University and Phytochemical Products Inc, Japan
  • Professor Naomi Shibasaki-Kitakawa, Professor at Tohoku University and Chief Technology Officer of Phytochemical Products Inc
  • Dr Kousuke Hiromori, Assistant Professor at Tohoku University and Chief Intellectual Property Officer of Phytochemical Products Inc

Topics of discussion

The two parties discussed the ion-exchange resin (IER) technology in oleochemical industry, which covers the several processes, such as: esterification, transesterification, vitamin E extraction from PFAD and bio-based surfactant.

The Japanese professionals also discussed about the potential collaboration with Malaysia palm oil industry.

1. Implementation of IER technology in producing biofuel through esterification and transesterification process with suitable resins helps in:
   • improving the yield by inhibiting the reverse reaction,
   • reducing CO2 emission due to lower operating temperature and operating pressure is atmospheric,
   • reducing waste generation.
2. Co-production biofuel and tocopherol/ tocotrienol using the IER technology
   • There is a growth demand for natural vitamin E/ super vitamin E (tocopherol/ tocotrienol) as a supplement and in personal care industry,
   • The purity of total vitamin E extracted from the resin is high, with excellent yield,
   • Less energy intensity compared to common separation technology using molecular distillation.
3. Production of bio-based surfactant
   • Example of bio-based surfactant is sugar ester surfactant
   • IER offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to produce sugar ester surfactants, making them increasingly popular in various industries seeking green and renewable alternatives.

Acknowledgement

• POPSIG management gratefully acknowledges the support and sponsorship provided by KLK OLEO to POPSIG on our technical activities and university roadshow. POPSIG management gratefully appreciated KLK for hosting the visit.

• KLK OLEO is one of the world’s leading oleochemical producers that is committed to delivering excellence in the global marketplace. Strategically integrated to our upstream plantations parent, KLK OLEO is able to extract synergies and focus on developing sustainable solutions and reliable supply for our customers. KLK OLEO’s production portfolio ranges from basic oleochemical products, such as Fatty Acids, Glycerine, Fatty Alcohols and Fatty Esters, all the way down the spectrum to specialties, such as Methyl Ester Sulphonates (MES), Surfactants and Phytonutrients.

• POPSIG management also gratefully acknowledges the support provided by Desmet Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), Malaysian Oleochemical Manufacturers Group (MOMG), Sime Darby Plantation Berhad (SDP) and Sime Darby Oils (SDO) to our activities.

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