Lorine Tantalu, Nur Hidayat, Bambang Suharto, Irnia Nurika, Sudirman, Indah Fitriana Subekti, Zain Fuadi, Vitta Rizky Permatasari
This study evaluates the feasibility of producing activated carbon from corncobs and oil palm empty fruit bunches (EPB) using the one step process (CAM). This method involves a single-step fast pyrolysis heating process at 500 °C with sodium acetate (NaCH3COO) as the activating agent. A comprehensive techno-economic analysis was conducted, covering capital investment, raw material costs, fixed and variable costs, revenue, profit, cash flow, financial feasibility and sensitivity analysis. The study considers three production scenarios: activated carbon from corn cobs (AC-Corncob), empty palm oil bunches (AC-EPB), and a mixture of both (AC-mixed). AC-EPB is the most economically viable option in this model, with the highest NPV, ROI and the shortest PBP (8 months and 6 days). The highest BEP obtain form 9129 packages of AC-EPB, generating revenue of $19,970.69. The findings confirm that activated carbon production from EFB is more efficient and profitable compared to other raw materials. Sensitivity analysis results in determining the feasibility of maintaining a fixed product price while reducing sales volume but keeping quality constant indicate that the venture remains viable. This study provides valuable insights for industries looking to develop sustainable and cost-effective activated carbon production processes. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Japan KK, part of Springer Nature 2025.
Doctoral Program in Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, Indonesia; Program Study of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tribhuwana Tungga Dewi, East Java, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, University of Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Agricultural Product Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of West Sulawesi, Sulawesi Barat, Majene, Indonesia; Master Program in Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, Indonesia
