First symposium on sustainable construction, unlocking potential of De-oiled Bleaching Earth

According to Gamalux Oils factory manager Abdul Salam Hassan, speakers and participants of the symposium have the same goals, to find innovative ways to create a more sustainable future. 

“To Gamalux Oils, sustainability is not simply a buzzword; it is the core of everything we do. Over the years, we have worked hard to reduce industrial waste and find meaningful ways to reuse by-products from our processes. One of our proudest achievements is what has brought us together today, which is transforming de-oiled bleaching earth or what we know as DOBE, into something valuable material and back to earth for our mother nature.”

“Through relentless innovation, we managed to reduce landfill contributions by transforming DOBE into valuable inputs for fertilizer and construction. Our efforts have been recognized not only within Malaysia but also globally, as we strive to push the boundaries of green innovation,” he said. Since 2022, Gamalux Oils and UMS have been working hand-in-hand to unlock the potential of DOBE. “Together, we have explored the properties of DOBE and its ability to contribute to sustainable building materials such as concrete additives and soil stabilizers. “

He also pointed out that DOBE is a game changer, helping to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and lowers the environmental impact of construction. 

Meanwhile, UMS Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation Faculty of Engineering Prof. Ir. Dr. Willey Liew Yun Hsien said Intelligent Construction Research Group (ICON), Structures and Materials Research Group (SMART), and Geotechnical and Geomatic Engineering Research Group of the Faculty of Engineering, UMS have played a crucial role in advancing research in the field of civil engineering.

The half-day event covered a number of topics namely Introduction to DOBE, Potential of DOBE in Stabilizing Residual Soils, Potential of Depleted Oil Bleaching Earth Particles as Adsorbent in Removing NH3- N in Landfill Leachate, DOBE as Cementitious Materials in Concrete, Potential Utilisation of DOBE in Foamed Concrete, DOBE: Applications in the Construction Industry, Interlocking Brick and Paver Potential for DOBE, The Mechanical Properties of Pile Waste Slurry Containing Steel Fibres and DOBE, Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Fibers in Concrete Slurry Waste Containing DOBE and The Properties of Pile Waste Slurry Containing DOBE for Interlocking Brick Production.

This article, written by a journalist,  has been published in The Borneo Post on 29 November 2024.