Innovative uses for agricultural by-products are on display at the Maha 2024 Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agro-Tourism Exhibition, which took place in the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) from September 11 to September 22.
One of the main exhibits shows how pineapple waste is turned into sustainable products like paper, thread, and upscale fashion accessories, reported Yahoo News.
Assistant Science Officer Nur Hidayah Zul Khairi of the Product and Technology Department described at the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) booth how pineapple leaves, which are usually thrown away as garbage, are recycled into usable items like ties and handbags.
When guests visit the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board booth at the 2024 Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-tourism Exhibition at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) on September 11, 2024, assistant science officer Norasnawri Norhayat of the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board demonstrates pineapple fibers to them. Image courtesy of Sayuti Zainudin
She clarified, saying that "the leaves go through a rigorous process to be prepared for making items," but that visitors could easily learn the procedure.
Because of their well-known fibrous structure, pineapple leaves are perfect for producing threads.
Although the fibers aren't yet ready for whole garments, they can be combined with cotton or silk to make fashionable accessories.
Examples of these creations included trendy handbags fashioned from pineapple leaf fibers and a necktie with a local theme.
At the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board stand during the 2024 Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-tourism Exhibition at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) on September 11, 2024, there is a necktie with a local motif fashioned from pineapple leaf fibers. Image courtesy of Sayuti Zainudin
Cutting discarded leaves into little bits, heating them into a paste, and then molding the paste into a mold are the steps involved in making paper made from pineapple waste.
The cast makes paper that can be used for writing or crafts once it has dried.
The leaves are gathered, sorted, and their fibers removed in order to make thread, which is then dried and made.
Nur Hidayah emphasized that although having potential, the Malaysian market for pineapple by-products is still rather small.
She pointed out that international markets are more interested in eco-friendly goods.
When guests visit the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board booth at the 2024 Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-tourism Exhibition at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) on September 11, 2024, assistant science officer Norasnawri Norhayat of the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board shows them pineapple fibers and a handbag. Image courtesy of Sayuti Zainudin.
Handbags at Maha 2024 range in price from RM250 to RM500, while ties cost RM300.
Md Suib Yatim, a local businessman who owns two acres of land in Lipis, Pahang, expressed excitement at the potential that Maha offered.
"To stay abreast of the newest developments in agriculture, entrepreneurs must attend events like Maha," he stated.
On September 11, 2024, at the 2024 Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-tourism Exhibition at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), local farmer Md Suib Yatim speaks with the Malay Mail. — Image courtesy of Sayuti Zainudin
He emphasized how non-food products could help him diversify his business.
According to Nur Hidayah, 100g of thread may be made from 10 kg of pineapple leaves.
She emphasized the commercial prospects non-food goods may offer and urged visitors to investigate them.
With 47.1% of all pineapple exports going to other countries, Costa Rica is the market leader in the world.
With an annual pineapple export of 437,231 metric tonnes, Malaysia comes in at number 25.
Nur Hidayah is hoping that Maha 2024 would increase awareness of pineapples' uses outside of food.