Indonesia Showcases Steamless Palm Oil Technology at Hannover Messe 2021

Indonesia’s role as the Official Partner Country at Hannover Messe 2021 placed the nation’s industrial transformation in the global spotlight, particularly its advancements in sustainable palm oil technology. One of the key innovations presented was Steamless Palm Oil Technology (SPOT), a next-generation dry-process system designed to reduce emissions, eliminate wastewater, and preserve natural phytonutrients.

The technology was introduced internationally by Sahat M. Sinaga, Chairman of the Indonesian Biohydrocarbon Society and a key collaborator of Agro Investama Group in advancing steamless palm oil processing in Indonesia. In his session titled “Empowering Smallholders through Corporatization of the Small and Advancement of Processing Technology for Industrial Vegetable Oil,” Sahat highlighted how SPOT and other dry-process innovations can uplift smallholders, increase rural income, and strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global vegetable oil industry.

Hannover Messe—one of the world’s most influential platforms for industrial technology, sustainable energy, and Industry 4.0—provided Indonesia with a unique stage to showcase palm oil transformation beyond its traditional image. Through SPOT, Indonesia demonstrated a dry-process method operating below 80°C, a major departure from the conventional wet process requiring 180–200°C and producing significant greenhouse gas emissions and liquid waste.

By preserving vital phytonutrients such as carotenoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols, steamless palm oil technology positions palm oil not merely as a commodity but as a high-value, health-oriented product with applications across food, health, and nutrition sectors. The technology also supports decentralized processing models—including community-based mini-mills—that align with Agro Investama Group’s sustainability roadmap and commitment to inclusive smallholder development.

Indonesia’s broader showcase at Hannover Messe featured leading policymakers, researchers, and industry figures discussing renewable energy, health applications, and the future of sustainable palm oil. Within this context, the presentation of SPOT stood out as a clear demonstration of how Indonesia is redefining the palm oil narrative through green innovation, technology-driven efficiency, and farmer-centered business models.

Through global platforms like Hannover Messe, Indonesia—and stakeholders such as Agro Investama Group—continue to strengthen the nation’s leadership in sustainable palm oil, proving that technological advancement and smallholder empowerment can move forward together on the world stage.