MPOB TEAMS UP WITH TECHBOND TO PRODUCE PALM-BASED POLYOL

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9  -- The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and Techbond Greentech Sdn Bhd have signed a technology development collaboration for the production of palm-based polyol to be used as one of the components in polyurethane adhesives to replace formaldehyde-based adhesives.

The MPOB said it signed a memorandum of agreement with Techbond for the commercialisation of palm-based polyol technology in February, which involved two stages, namely, research and development to produce polyurethane adhesive formulations followed by commercialisation of technology.

“With the introduction of the polyol technology, Techbond Greentech will now produce sustainable palm oil-based polyol for the production of new industrial grade polyurethane adhesives and ultimately, commercialise the product,” it said in a statement.

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MPOB chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub said the joint-venture between MPOB and Techbond was a win-win situation for the research and commercialisation of palm-based polyol products that could potentially be used in polyurethane adhesives.

“The involvement of the industry and local companies in the commercialisation of technology developed by the MPOB has accelerated the progress of the downstream sector of the palm oil industry for the production of value-added palm-based products that generate high income.

“The MPOB’s expertise in developing technology in the oil palm industry provides opportunities for local companies and small medium enterprises to capitalise on the business opportunities available for commercialisation of technology,” he said.

Meanwhile, Techbond Group Bhd’s unit, Techbond Greentech Sdn Bhd (TGSB) has received the polyol formulation from the MPOB as part of the collaboration between both parties in pioneering non-toxic palm-oil based industrial adhesives.

Techbond managing director Lee Seng Thye said the company is now another step closer in creating palm oil-based industrial adhesives using local sustainably-sourced palm oil.

“We believe this innovation will be first-of-its-kind and it would be non-toxic with little to none formaldehyde emission levels,” he said in a statement today.

TGSB, has on Feb 26, 2020 entered into a collaboration agreement with the MPOB for the technical expertise and technology know-how transfer from MPOB in relation to a process to produce polyols from palm oil.

-- BERNAMA