MYBiomass Sdn. Bhd. (“MYBiomass”) is a special purpose vehicle Initiated by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), and is a joint-venture company, together with FGV Holdings Berhad and Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, established to pioneer high-value green chemicals and materials biorefinery through coordinated aggregation.
The foremost undertaking by MYBiomass is to move up the value chain of biomass industry by producing high value green chemical which can be used in downstream application, benefitting the materials, energy and pharmaceutical industries. MYBiomass is expected to make a substantial contribution to the production of high-value green chemicals and/or materials for local and international players.
As renewable resources, biomass can complement and/or substitute the depleting resources such as fossil based. Moreover, production of chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass overcomes the food vs fuel issues, originated from the usage of food material to produce fuel. As a result, product sustainability can be maintained and price volatility can be mitigated. In addition to this, usage of green chemical reduces the carbon footprint in a product supply chain.
What is biomass and why is it important?
‘Biomass’ – in the context of renewable chemicals, materials, and energy – often refers to, but is not limited to, plants or plant-based materials. Plantations, forestry, and agricultural residues which are not used for food or feed are generally a rich source of lignocellulosic biomass.
What does MYBiomass do?
MYBiomass was formed as a special purpose vehicle under the Malaysian Biomass Initiative (MBI) to pioneer the establishment of a high value green chemicals and materials (HVGCM) bio-refinery in Malaysia. It is engaged in the coordinated aggregation of biomass; prospecting and testing of various technologies to convert biomass into renewable products; and industry partnerships for product development. MYBiomass also conducts biomass trading i.e. supplying biomass products (e.g. EFB, PKS, Mesocarp fiber etc.) to customers.
How is MYBiomass funded?
MYBiomass is a Joint-Venture company that is funded by its shareholding companies, namely MIGHT (through VentureTECH), Sime Darby Plantations Berhad, and FGV Holdings Berhad. MYBiomass also has an on-going biomass trading business which generates revenue.
Who are its partners?
MYBiomass works with various technology partners, industry players, off-takers, end users, plantation and oil palm mill.
What is the current focus area of MYBiomass?
MYBiomass – through its wholly-owned subsidiary GCBR Sdn Bhd – is currently focused on operationalizing a palm-based nanocellulose bio-refinery. It has previously conducted multifaceted studies on various types of high-value green chemicals and materials. Subject to favourable economic conditions, these studies can generate projects of strategic value.
What additional value-added services do MYBiomass provide?
MYBiomass has acquired integrated expertise in the entire biomass value-chain, particularly in areas like supply chain; technical evaluations for bio-refinery technology; market/product development; and new business models for green projects.
Does it supply biomass to customers?
Yes. One of MYBiomass on-going operations is to supply biomass to customers. The types of biomass are raw empty fruit bunches, fibres, PKS and Mesocarp fibres, amongst others. Depending on customer requirements, MYBiomass can supply biomass according to various specifications.
What are Nanocellulose and its applications?
Nanocellulose is basically nano-sized cellulose typically ranging from 3-300nm in diameter. Cellulose is abundantly present in nature as organic biopolymer in wood, cotton fibre, wheat straw, oil palm biomass and other plant matter. Nanocellulose is obtained through the disintegration of cellulose pulp by chemical, physical and biological processes.
Nanocellulose is non-toxic, recyclable and reusable and biocompatible. It is also endowed with high strength and modulus of elasticity and lightweight with low oxygen permeability. Potential end-use applications include areas like building/construction, aerospace and automotive, packaging, cosmetics, textiles, medical, paper and electronics.
Project Objectives
- Ensuring both sustainable and competitive supply of biomass feedstock through a coordinated collection and aggregation system.
- Acting as a focal point for the supply of biomass and an intermediate opportunity provider between suppliers, technology providers, centre of excellences (COEs), and downstream users.
- Identifying pre-treatment requirement for the efficiency of logistic and quality of feedstock.
- Promoting continuous growth in business opportunities within various local and international downstream players for the production of high value green chemicals for pharmaceuticals, materials, and energy industries.
- Prospecting new technology for better conversion of biomass.
Value Proposition
- Moving up the biomass value chain towards the production of higher value products.
- Creation of new businesses in the emerging green / renewables sectors.
- Overcoming future market barriers through the adoption of green chemicals in consumer products.
- Contributing to sustainable development via addressing demand for renewable products.
- Towards demand-centric through coordinated aggregation.
- Creating high value jobs and additional national income.
