The potential for utilizing  non-productive trunk of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata Merr) as Pulp and Wood Energy

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Published: Aug 14, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.19109/biota.v0i0.27559
Keywords:
Arenga pinnata, Biomass, Non-Productive Trunks, Pulp, Renewable Energy

Main Article Content

Silmi Yusri Rahmadani
Departement of Biology, Faculty Mathematics and Natural Science Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia; Departement of Biomedical and Environmental Biology, School of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3390-0326
Alponsin
Departement of Biology, Faculty Mathematics and Natural Science Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5882-8105
Dimas Surya Pratama
Departement of Biology, Faculty Mathematics and Natural Science Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3043-2669
Tesri Maideliza
Departement of Biology, Faculty Mathematics and Natural Science Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8331-7418

Abstract

The sugar palm (Arenga pinnata Merr) presents significant potential as a source of biomass energy and raw material for pulp production. In West Sumatra, particularly within the Tanah Datar and Lima Puluh Kota regencies, the cultivation of this plant spans approximately 376.75 hectares and 285.00 hectares, respectively. Although sap extraction for palm sugar and bioethanol remains the predominant application, the non-productive trunks are largely underexploited. This study aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of these trunks, focusing on fiber dimensions, chemical composition, and calorific value. The results indicated that trunks sourced from Lima Puluh Kota exhibited longer fiber lengths (2.70-2.97 mm), power felting (90.33 µm), and higher Runkel ratios, categorizing them as Class I in terms of fiber quality for pulp production. Conversely, samples from Tanah Datar were classified as Class II. In terms of chemical composition, the cellulose content (ranging from 35.21% to 64.63%) and moderate levels of lignin (between 8.02% and  18.40%), both of which are advantageous for pulping processes. However, the calorific values, which ranged from 2,675 to 3,374 cal/g, were found to be below the standards established for biomass fuels at both national and international levels. These findings imply that the unproductive trunks of sugar palm are more appropriately utilized in the pulp and paper industry rather than for bioenergy production. Such optimal utilization could contribute to the development of a circular economy while also enhancing the value provided to local communities.

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The potential for utilizing  non-productive trunk of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata Merr) as Pulp and Wood Energy. (2025). Jurnal Biota. https://doi.org/10.19109/biota.v0i0.27559
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The potential for utilizing  non-productive trunk of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata Merr) as Pulp and Wood Energy. (2025). Jurnal Biota. https://doi.org/10.19109/biota.v0i0.27559

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