Palm-based methyl ester sulphonates (MES) derived from palm oil through sulphonation process offer an interesting alternative to petroleum-based surfactants. This study was carried out to identify any potential environmental impacts that could be associated with the production of palm-based MES. Data on pilot plant production were obtained from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)'s MES pilot plant with 20 kg hr-1 capacity. Life cycle assessment (LCA) performance was based on representative inventory data of MES processes for three years of production. The results were analysed using Eco-indicator 99 methodology operated under SimaPro version 8.0.2 software. The single score results showed that the main impact contributors for MES production at pilot plant scale were from production of methyl ester, steam and methanol. Based on weighted score, the most significant impact categories from this production were fossil fuels, respiratory inorganics and climate change. However, there was no significant impact value on land use category since this study was conducted with best management practices in oil palm plantation in Malaysia. From this study, it can be concluded that the production of MES at pilot plant using the best approach used in the oil palm industry are more sustainable and environmental-friendly.

The oleochemical manufacturing is one of the industrial sectors that contributed significantly to the economic growth of the country. Palm oil (PO) and palm kernel oil (PKO) have been utilised as feedstocks for production of the five basic oleochemicals, namely fatty acid, methyl ester, fatty alcohol, fatty amine and glycerol. These basic oleochemicals could be used without further treatment or they could be processed further for the purpose of purification and improving functionality, and then formulated with other ingredients into finished products.  The industries, however, are challenged with the growing concern on safety, toxicity and eco-toxicity level, biodegradability profile and hence marketability of the products and new technologies developed. While Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)’s R & D focused on developing various oleochemicals derivatives, the method to assess the environmental impact of the production of these products are also being looked into together with process feasibility and technology viability study. With a complete entity comprises of laboratories, facilities and expertise, MPOB can now assist Malaysian manufacturers/exporters to establish a complete dataset on biodegradation, ecotoxicity and life cycle assessment (LCA) to facilitate the market access of their products and ensure conformation to regulation set by importing countries.

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