Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunches Transformation to Soundproof Wall Panels

From Waste to Wellness: How Palm Oil Byproducts Could Revolutionize Soundproofing

Avery Sinclair in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the potential of empty fruit bunches (EFB) in transforming the soundproofing industry with sustainable, eco-friendly materials."

In an era where sustainability and environmental consciousness are paramount, industries worldwide are under increasing pressure to find innovative ways to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices. One such industry facing this challenge is palm oil, a sector known for generating substantial amounts of solid waste during its production processes.

However, amidst the environmental concerns, a promising solution has emerged: the utilization of palm oil waste, particularly empty fruit bunches (EFB), as a sustainable sound absorption material. This innovative approach not only addresses the disposal problem associated with palm oil production but also offers a green alternative to conventional soundproofing materials, which often rely on synthetic compounds and minerals.

As concerns about noise pollution and indoor environmental quality continue to rise, the demand for effective and eco-friendly soundproofing solutions has never been greater. By harnessing the potential of EFB, researchers and manufacturers are paving the way for a new generation of sound absorption materials that are not only environmentally responsible but also offer comparable or even superior acoustic performance.

The Science Behind Sound Absorption: How EFB Stacks Up

Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunches Transformation to Soundproof Wall Panels

The core of this innovation lies in understanding how different forms of EFB—namely coir (the fibrous material) and dust—perform as sound absorbers. A study published in the Jurnal Teknologi meticulously compared the acoustic performance of these two EFB forms at varying thicknesses (6mm, 12mm, and 18mm) to determine their sound absorption coefficients (SAC) and optimal frequencies.

The research employed impedance tubes, following the BS EN ISO 10534 standard, to test the materials at both low and high frequencies. The results were compelling: dust EFB samples consistently outperformed coir EFB in sound energy absorption across both frequency ranges. The maximum SAC achieved by the 18mm thick dust EFB samples was 0.6 at 1500Hz in the low-frequency range and an impressive 0.990 at 3750Hz in the high-frequency range.

Thickness Matters: Thicker samples absorbed more sound energy than thinner ones, indicating that material depth plays a crucial role in acoustic performance.
Particle Size Advantages: The small particles in dust EFB create a denser material with fewer pores, enhancing its sound absorption capabilities.
Frequency Range Specificity: The materials exhibited different absorption efficiencies at various frequencies, suggesting that EFB-based soundproofing could be tailored for specific noise environments.

These findings underscore the potential of EFB as a viable alternative to traditional soundproofing materials. Not only is it sustainable, but it also offers tunable acoustic properties that can be optimized for different applications.

A Quieter, Greener Future

The exploration of palm oil fiber as a sound absorption material marks a significant step towards sustainable industrial practices. By repurposing waste into valuable resources, we not only alleviate environmental burdens but also foster innovation in creating eco-friendly products. As research continues to refine and optimize the use of EFB in soundproofing, the prospect of quieter, healthier, and more sustainable living spaces becomes increasingly attainable.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are empty fruit bunches (EFB) and why are they relevant to soundproofing?

Empty fruit bunches (EFB) are byproducts of the palm oil industry. They represent a significant waste stream but are now being explored as a sustainable alternative to conventional soundproofing materials. EFB, specifically in the forms of coir and dust, have shown potential in absorbing sound, offering an eco-friendly solution to noise pollution.

How do coir and dust EFB differ in their sound absorption performance, according to the Jurnal Teknologi study?

The Jurnal Teknologi study compared the acoustic performance of coir EFB and dust EFB at different thicknesses. The research found that dust EFB consistently outperformed coir EFB in sound energy absorption across both low and high frequencies. The smaller particle size in dust EFB creates a denser material with fewer pores, which enhances its sound absorption capabilities compared to coir EFB.

What role does the thickness of empty fruit bunches (EFB) material play in sound absorption?

The thickness of the empty fruit bunches (EFB) material significantly impacts its sound absorption capabilities. Research indicates that thicker samples of EFB absorb more sound energy than thinner ones. This suggests that material depth is a crucial factor in acoustic performance, allowing for the adjustment of EFB-based soundproofing to achieve desired levels of noise reduction.

What are the environmental benefits of using empty fruit bunches (EFB) for soundproofing compared to traditional materials?

Using empty fruit bunches (EFB) for soundproofing offers several environmental benefits. First, it repurposes waste material from the palm oil industry, addressing a significant disposal problem. Second, EFB is a sustainable alternative to traditional soundproofing materials that often rely on synthetic compounds and minerals. This shift reduces the environmental impact associated with the extraction and production of these conventional materials, promoting a greener and more sustainable approach to soundproofing.

What is the significance of the Sound Absorption Coefficient (SAC) values achieved by dust EFB, and how can they be utilized in real-world applications?

The Sound Absorption Coefficient (SAC) values achieved by dust EFB, particularly the maximum SAC of 0.6 at 1500Hz in the low-frequency range and 0.990 at 3750Hz in the high-frequency range, are highly significant. These values indicate the material's efficiency in absorbing sound energy at specific frequencies. This frequency-specific absorption suggests that EFB-based soundproofing can be tailored for particular noise environments. For example, it could be optimized to reduce traffic noise (typically lower frequencies) or high-pitched sounds in industrial settings.