Sustainability Evaluation of Palm Oil Biomass Conversion Chains: A Review of Life Cycle Assessment and Circular Economy Perspectives

This journal discusses the utilization of palm biomass residues, such as empty fruit bunches, palm shells, and POME, as part of a circular economy strategy and reducing the environmental impact of the palm oil industry. This research aims to assess the sustainability performance of various palm biomass conversion chains through a Life Cycle Assessment and Circular Economy approach. Using a systematic literature review method, this study synthesizes 34 Scopus publications from the period 2019–2025. The results indicate that palm biomass conversion can reduce GHG emissions, increase energy efficiency, and enhance circularity levels, particularly through pyrolysis technology, hydrothermal liquefaction, and integrated biorefinery. From an economic perspective, project feasibility is improved through the utilization of by-products and carbon credit schemes. The implication is that palm waste management needs to be directed as a source of energy, industrial raw materials, and a policy-supported decarbonization instrument.