Achieving Sustainable Growth 100% of our operations are MSPO certified 60% of our operations are RSPO certified 100% of our palm oil mills are ISO 9001:2015 certified RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) AND YIELD IMPROVEMENT Why it matters R&D and yield improvement are crucial for driving innovation and enhancing productivity. Investments in R&D facilitate the development of new technologies, methodologies and enhanced practices to improve the efficiency and reduce costs and the impact on the environment. Yield optimisation enhances the number of crops produced, minimising land use while meeting market demand. BPlant’s Approach BPlant investments significantly in R&D and operates two distinct research facilities: Applied Agricultural Resources Sdn Bhd and Advanced Agriecological Research Sdn Bhd. An annual budget of RM16 million is allocated to support continuous operational enhancements. We strive to identify avenues for increased efficiency and remain dedicated to cultivating sustainable practices that mitigate ecological impact. The Plantation Performance Improvement Programme, initiated in 2021, aims to increase productivity and improve cost optimisation by maximising the yield. The comprehensive initiative targets various strategies, including driving operational excellence, optimising palm age profiles, replicating successful mechanisation methods, and implementing Good Agricultural Practices. We have also implemented the Zip Zap battery-operated cutter for palms ranging between 12 to 20 feet tall, along with the utilisation of light carbon fibre poles in tall palm areas, replacing traditional aluminium poles to improve production efficiency. Up to 120 palm tasking systems and roll-on task system were employed along with the utilisation of mechanised platform collection to streamline harvesting operations, facilitating centralised harvesting for timely crop evacuation. Another significant initiative entailed closely monitoring the monthly number of bunches per palm, with targets set at 1.08 bunches per palm for Prime Mature palms and 1.35 bunches per palm for Young Mature palms, aimed at enhancing productivity. The reintroduction of the Daily FFB Bunch Count and Quality Assessment on palm rows involves estates monitoring FFB quality daily and reporting to BPlant headquarters monthly. We aim to introduce supplier screening for environmental and social factors in 2024, with data disclosure targeted in the next reporting year onwards. BPlant is pleased to report that 100% of our palm oil mills are ISO 9001:2015 and all our operations are MSPO-certified which covers management traceability of the production throughout the supply chain. Nursery at Taiping Rubber Plantation Estate, Perak Boustead Plantations Berhad 152
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkwNzg=