By: Dr Daljit Singh Karam Singh
KLANG – Researchers from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Biochar Malaysia Association (BMA) visited Tex Cycle (P2) Sdn Bhd (Tex Cycle), a scheduled waste management plant here to review and study the 'negative carbon' concept practised by the company.
Representatives from Manipal University in Nilai, Indah Water Konsortium and GoGreen also joined the site visit.
BMA President, Dr Amran Salleh, who is a lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering, UPM said that the processing of treated waste into becoming energy was not new, but not many know about the end products.
According to him, "Tex Cycle converts the waste material into a source of energy for electricity, and waste materials such as wood debris are processed into biochar”.
Biochar is charcoal formed from biomass materials such as wood, agricultural residues and livestock waste. Biochar acts as a soil enhancer, and many studies have shown that biochar could help to improve soil fertility, crop yields as well as to reduce chemical fertilizer applications.
It could help farmers to reduce the cost of fertilizer. Biochar also has a positive impact on the environment as it helps in the depletion of carbon.
Ho Siew Cheong, the company director of Tex Cycle said the company welcomes any educational and research institutions that are keen to collaborate in making products from recyclable waste materials.
"We must know that waste material is a source that is always available and increases every day. If waste disposal at its site is not being managed systematically, it will cause water, soil and air pollution," he said.
He added that the converting process of certain waste materials into energy and biochar was in line with the company's vision of practising sustainability in every aspect of the business by achieving zero emissions through maximising its resources.
BMA and Tex Cycle (P2) Sdn Bhd would work together in researching for the solution on carbon issues on a larger scale through the exchange of technology and expertise.
Tex Cycle provides professional services in the area of scheduled waste management with methods that do not harm the environment. - UPM
