In a landmark move towards sustainability, The Petri Dish, Malaysia’s pioneering science newspaper, is proud to announce its transition to green printing – utilising non-wood paper from Nextgreen and soy-based-ink printing by Percetakan NAZ.
As a leader in green technology and zero-waste solutions, Nextgreen’s innovative methods in pulp and paper production highlight the significance of this collaboration. After more than 13 years of operation, this shift demonstrates The Petri Dish’s deep commitment to supporting eco-friendly initiatives and promoting science and biotechnology as vital contributors to addressing global sustainability challenges.
Nextgreen’s state-of-the-art process systems utilise Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB)—a byproduct of the palm oil industry—to produce high-quality paper. This groundbreaking method not only reduces waste but also helps conserve natural resources. By transforming what was once considered waste into a valuable commodity, Nextgreen showcases the immense potential of innovation to advance environmental stewardship.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in The Petri Dish’s journey toward becoming more environmentally responsible. The newspaper now utilises Nextgreen’s “NeuWhite” paper, which proudly holds the prestigious MyHijau mark, a certification recognised by the Malaysian government’s green recognition scheme and the SIRIM Eco Label This shift in embracing an alternative and green-friendly paper choice not only symbolises the newspaper’s dedication to eco-friendly practices but also strengthens its ongoing mission to advocate for sustainable solutions.
Nextgreen’s expertise goes beyond paper. At the heart of their Green Technology Park (GTP) in Pekan, Pahang lies a cutting-edge facility dedicated to green innovations.
The GTP operates an integrated approach to sustainability through the synergy of several industries, including pulp and paper mills, a feed mill, and a fertiliser plant. By embracing the patented preconditioning refiner chemical-recycle bleached mechanised pulp (PRC-RBMP) a bio-integrated zero-waste concept, GTP is shaping the future of sustainable product development in the paper printing industries.
The technology used in GTP’s pulp and paper mills plays a central role in leveraging EFB from palm oil production as a raw material. This patented process serves as the foundation for a broader initiative, converting oil palm biomass into a diverse range of products, including animal feed, fertilizer, lignin, and even pharmaceutical ingredients.
A testament to Nextgreens’s commitment
This comprehensive approach showcases a testament to Nextgreen’s commitment to maximising resource use while minimising environmental impact.
Among the many products developed through this method, Nextgreen’s fertilisers, “NexBooster™” and “NexCompost™”, stand out for their role in enhancing agricultural sustainability.
NexBooster™, a liquid fertiliser produced from black liquor (a by-product of the pulping process) and enriched with essential microbes, aids plant growth by improving nutrient absorption and reducing soil acidity. NexCompost™, on the other hand, is a pelletized slow-release organic compost derived from degraded EFB and essential nutrients, ensuring sustained plant growth and soil health. These fertilisers are not only ideal for crops like paddy and oil palm trees but also extend their benefits to fruit, vegetables, and cash crops.
Additionally, Nextgreen produces sustainable food packaging from non-wood pulp made of EFB. These biodegradable, eco-friendly containers are designed to meet the needs of the food industry, boasting qualities like oil and water resistance, microwaveability, and quick biodegradability upon disposal. The packaging highlights the circular nature of GTP’s operations, offering a greener alternative for food storage while meeting the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
Greens for the livestock industry
Meanwhile, GTP’s animal feed production system, utilising Oil Palm Fronds (OPF) and Palm Kernel Cake (PKC), further contributes to Malaysia’s circular economy. The microbial fermentation process in feed production transforms OPF, traditionally viewed as a low-nutrient material, into high-quality livestock feed. This, not only strengthens the domestic feed supply but also reduces Malaysia’s reliance on imported products. The feed produced at GTP is nutritionally dense and highly palatable, providing essential nutrients for livestock while promoting local industry growth.
As a steadfast advocate for science, technology, and innovation, The Petri Dish’s partnership with Nextgreen is a noteworthy step toward realising the goal of achieving net carbon zero. The collaboration is not just about changing paper suppliers—it embodies a fundamental shift in how the newspaper approaches sustainability.
“The Petri Dish was established to champion the growth of Malaysia’s bioeconomy, and this collaboration allows us to demonstrate our commitment to that mission. Over the years, we have highlighted numerous local biotechnology companies, technopreneurs, and scientists, but this marks the first time we are utilising the services of a biotechnology company ourselves.
“I am hopeful that this will inspire more businesses to adopt sustainable practices as we work collectively towards achieving net carbon zero,” said Dr Mahaletchumy Arujanan, founding editor-in-chief of The Petri Dish.
This partnership highlights the potential of green technology to deliver real, impactful change. As The Petri Dish continues to advocate for science and biotechnology as crucial tools in addressing global challenges, this collaboration with Nextgreen is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when innovation meets purpose. Both entities are paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future, through these efforts.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Nextgreen Global Berhad, Dato’ Lim Thiam Huat, said: “We are excited to announce our collaboration with The Petri Dish, Malaysia’s first science newspaper in their journey towards green printing by utilising our NeuWhite®️ EFB paper.
“This partnership highlights our dedication to environmentally responsible practices and supports the important work of promoting scientific knowledge. Together, we’re prioritising sustainability for a better tomorrow,” he added.
