Serdang, 5 March 2024 – The Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP) has received a visit from Kao Singapore Private Limited represented by Mr Shota Yamakawa (Business Development Manager), Miss Cheng Mei Hwei (Chemical Engineering Division Manager) and Mr Masato Sugahara (Manager of Chemical Development Research Department). INTROP was attended by 6 staff led by the Head of Biopolymer Laboratory and Derivative Materials (BADs), Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Zulkhairi Mohd Yusoff, Head of Pulp Technology and Paper & Pollution Control Programme, Dr. Ainun Zuriyati Mohamed @ Asa'ari, Senior Research Officer, Dr. Chin Kit Ling and Mr. Mohd Ashadie Kusno, Post-Doctoral, Dr. Lee Chuan Li, and Senior Science Officer, Puan Ana Salleza Md Salleh. The meeting was also attended by Ishiguro Takato online from Japan who is an expert in the production of organic de-ink chemicals.

This is the first meeting organised to discuss research collaboration in the development of de-ink research. This collaboration also includes the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS). Each year, local citizens and staff of UPM donate a huge number of books to the Islamic Center at UPM that contain printed holy words that cannot be disposed of arbitrarily. Currently, burning is the preferred method of disposal. The open technique affects recycling waste and pollutes the environment. The idea of de-inking is intended to dispose of paper prints in an environmentally sustainable manner while also allowing pulp products to be recycled to print other paper products that suit the nature.

Through this collaboration, Kao has a few organically produced products that help reduce the problems that INTROP is now facing. Kao Singapore Private Limited is keen to collaborate on this project and believes the outcomes will be significant as it will benefit multiple stakeholders in Malaysia while addressing environmental concerns following industry trends and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

INTROP welcomes the collaboration and intends to continue such activities soon to ensure the viability of INTROP's research and research priorities.

Date of Input: 20/03/2024 | Updated: 20/03/2024 | amallina.osman