Trace the path of eco-friendly palm oil production in Malaysia, uncovering its origins in forests and concluding at dining tables
In the heart of Sandakan, Malaysia, chemical engineer Shyam Lakshmanan is making a significant impact on the palm oil industry. With over 40 years of experience in palm oil refining, Lakshmanan leads one of Malaysia's major palm oil refineries, playing a crucial role in the production of this essential commodity.
The palm oil industry is a significant part of many people's lives, and Malaysia is a key player. Approximately one-third of global palm oil comes from this Southeast Asian country, contributing about 27% of the world's palm oil production, which amounts to approximately 70 million metric tons annually. This production is enough to fill around 30,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Each oil palm tree, given the right conditions, can remain productive for up to 30 years. These trees typically take three to four years to mature before they start bearing fruit. Ripeness is crucial for oil palm fruit bunches, with underripe fruit containing less oil and overripe bunches degrading quickly. Workers meticulously sort and grade the oil palm fruit to ensure only the highest-quality bunches move forward.
Once harvested, the fruit undergoes sterilisation at the mill, using high-pressure steam treatment to deactivate enzymes that can degrade the oil and loosen the fruit from the bunch. After threshing, individual oil palm fruitlets are separated from the bunch. The oil is then extracted through pressing and then clarified to remove impurities at the mill.
Throughout his career, Lakshmanan has focused on improving efficiency in the palm oil industry. He has also worked on enhancing quality standards, ensuring that the palm oil produced is of the highest quality. Lakshmanan's work is not just about production, but also about preserving health, quality, and the planet. He has also made strides in improving environmental standards in the industry.
Lakshmanan's dedication to the industry is evident. Each oil palm tree can yield 14 to 18 fresh fruit bunches annually. Work at the mill is aimed at ensuring quick processing of fruit within 24 hours to maintain quality. Despite the challenges, Lakshmanan remains committed to his mission, making a significant contribution to Malaysia's palm oil industry and the world at large.
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