Can Pineapple Skins Replace Soap? | World Wide Waste | Insider Business

Summary

Fuwa Biotech is pioneering a greener approach to cleaning by transforming pineapple waste into natural soaps and cleaners. Founder Le Duy Hoang emphasizes the safety of these eco-enzymes for both people and the planet. The company's process involves fermenting pineapple peels with sugar and water to produce enzymes and acids that combat germs. This innovative method not only addresses the issue of waste from pineapple factories but also offers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical cleaners, potentially reducing environmental pollution and health risks associated with synthetic detergents.

Takeaways

• 🍍 Half of the pineapple we consume is typically discarded, with the skin and core often not composted.
• 🌱 A company is repurposing fruit scraps into natural soap and cleaners, using pineapple waste as a base ingredient.
• 🌍 The founder, Le Duy Hoang, emphasizes the environmental and health safety of these natural cleaners, even consuming them daily.
• 🔬 Fermented fruit is part of a trend towards using enzymes for cleaning instead of traditional harsh chemicals.
• 🧪 Historically, cleaning products have evolved from natural substances to synthetic detergents made from fossil fuels.
• 🌊 Detergent pollution, containing elements like phosphorus and nitrogen, has led to ecological issues like algal blooms.
• 🍍 Fuwa Biotech processes pineapple waste to create cleaning products, diverting it from landfills and reducing methane emissions.
• 🔄 The fermentation process at Fuwa involves mixing pineapple peels with sugar and water, allowing for the release of enzymes and acids.
• 🛒 Fuwa's products are competitively priced and are made with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
• 🔬 Early research indicates that the enzymes in Fuwa's cleaners are as effective as bleach against certain bacteria and could potentially clean wastewater.
• 🔍 While enzyme cleaners show promise, further research is needed to confirm their broad effectiveness and address challenges like shelf life.

Q & A

What is the main issue with the traditional cleaning products mentioned in the script?

Traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals like phosphorus and nitrogen that water treatment plants are not equipped to clean out. When these elements enter waterways, they can cause excessive algae growth, leading to ecological issues such as the one that occurred in Lake Erie in the 1960s.

How does Fuwa Biotech address the problem of fruit waste?

Fuwa Biotech turns fruit scraps, specifically pineapple waste from a factory that makes canned pineapple, into natural soap and cleaners. This process not only reduces waste that would otherwise end up in landfills but also prevents the creation of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

What is the significance of the name 'Fuwa'?

The name 'Fuwa' is derived from the phrase 'fruit warrior,' signifying the company's commitment to using fruit waste to create eco-friendly cleaning products.

How does the fermentation process at Fuwa Biotech work?

Fuwa Biotech's fermentation process involves mixing fruit skins with sugar and water, which serves as food for microorganisms. Over time, these microorganisms break down the complex molecules into simpler substances like alcohol, enzymes, and acids. The enzymes released during fermentation have germ-fighting properties and are used as the base for their cleaning products.

What role do enzymes play in Fuwa Biotech's cleaning products?

Enzymes in Fuwa Biotech's products speed up chemical reactions, similar to how they function in human digestion. Certain enzymes can combat germs by entering bacterial cells and breaking them apart from within, either killing the bacteria or slowing them down sufficiently to reduce the risk of illness.

Who is Rosukon Poompanvong and what is her contribution to Fuwa Biotech?

Rosukon Poompanvong is a scientist and Buddhist nun who developed the formula for creating cleaning products from fermented fruit. She generously shared this formula, which Fuwa Biotech uses to produce their cleaning products.

What are the ingredients used in Fuwa Biotech's cleaning products, and where do they source them?

Fuwa Biotech uses a mixture of water, sugar, and pineapple peels, along with safe additives like coconut oil, corn oil, and essential Vietnamese oils. They source these oils from local farmers who produce them using agricultural waste, promoting a circular economy.

How does Fuwa Biotech ensure the quality and safety of their products?

Fuwa Biotech uses an onsite lab to test their products, measuring the pH and testing for other additives. They also compare their products to competitors' to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards for safety and effectiveness.

What is the potential environmental benefit of using fruit enzymes in cleaning products?

Early research suggests that fruit enzymes might make wastewater cleaner, which could significantly reduce the environmental impact of cleaning products. This is in contrast to traditional detergents that can contribute to water pollution and ecological imbalance.

What challenges does Fuwa Biotech face in scaling up their production?

While Fuwa Biotech has a large supply of pineapple waste to work with, they face challenges such as ensuring the shelf life of their enzyme-based cleaners, which can be affected by certain temperatures and conditions. They claim their products can last about two years, similar to most chemical cleaning sprays.

What is Fuwa Biotech's mission regarding the use of eco-enzymes?

Fuwa Biotech's mission is to raise awareness about the benefits of eco-enzymes and to help people around the globe reduce the worry of having toxic chemicals in their homes by offering a gentler, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cleaning products.

Outlines

00:00

🍍 Pineapple Waste to Natural Cleaners

This paragraph introduces a company that transforms pineapple waste into natural soap and cleaners. The founder, Le Duy Hoang, emphasizes the safety of these products for both the environment and human health, even consuming them daily. The script discusses the historical use of various substances for cleaning, leading to the creation of synthetic detergents in the 20th century. These detergents, containing elements like phosphorus and nitrogen, have caused ecological issues by promoting excessive algae growth in waterways. Fuwa Biotech is presented as a solution, using fruit waste to produce eco-friendly cleaning products, with the name 'Fuwa' meaning 'fruit warrior'. The company's process involves fermenting pineapple peels with sugar and water to create a mixture rich in enzymes and acids, which are known for their germ-fighting properties. The fermentation process is detailed, from the initial mixing to the final product, which includes a ratio of 10 parts water, one part sugar, and three parts pineapple peels. The end result is a cleaner that is both effective and environmentally friendly.

05:04

🌱 Eco-Friendly Cleaning and Future Prospects

The second paragraph delves into the production process of Fuwa's cleaning products, detailing how the fermented pineapple mixture is filtered to obtain a clear enzyme solution, which forms the base of all their products. Additional safe additives from coconut and corn oil, sourced from local farmers, are incorporated to create detergents. The company's commitment to sustainability is highlighted by their use of an onsite lab for product testing and their comparison of cleaning efficacy with traditional bleach. The narrative also touches on the personal motivation behind the founder's venture, which was triggered by his wife's eczema, potentially caused by harsh cleaning chemicals. The paragraph concludes with a discussion on the potential of enzyme cleaners to replace traditional household chemicals, the need for further research to validate their effectiveness against a broader range of bacteria, and the challenge of maintaining their shelf life. Fuwa's vision is presented as not just selling products, but also promoting awareness of eco-enzymes as a gentler alternative to chemical cleaners.

Keywords

💡Pineapple scraps

Pineapple scraps refer to the skin and core of the pineapple, which are often discarded as waste. In the context of the video, these scraps are repurposed by a company to create natural soap and cleaners. This concept is central to the video's theme of upcycling waste into valuable products, showcasing an innovative approach to reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

💡Composting

Composting is the process of decomposing organic waste into humus-like material as a means of recycling waste and improving soil fertility. The video mentions that the skin and core of pineapples can be composted, but in many places, they are not. This highlights a missed opportunity for waste reduction and the potential for more sustainable waste management practices.

💡Natural soap and cleaners

Natural soap and cleaners are cleaning products made from plant-based ingredients rather than synthetic chemicals. The video discusses how a company uses pineapple scraps to create such products, emphasizing the environmental and health benefits of using natural ingredients over harsh chemicals. This aligns with the video's message of promoting eco-friendly alternatives to conventional cleaning products.

💡Organic acids and vitamins

Organic acids and vitamins are naturally occurring compounds found in fruits and other organic materials. The video mentions that the pineapple-based cleaners contain these components, which contribute to their effectiveness and safety. This underscores the video's emphasis on the inherent properties of natural ingredients and their potential for use in cleaning products.

💡Fermentation

Fermentation is a biological process that involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones by the action of microorganisms like bacteria or yeast. In the video, fermentation is used to transform pineapple scraps into cleaning fluids rich in enzymes and acids. This process is key to the company's innovative approach to creating effective and environmentally friendly cleaning products.

💡Enzymes

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions. The video explains that certain enzymes can fight germs by breaking down their cellular structure, which is how the pineapple-based cleaners work. Enzymes are highlighted as a natural and effective alternative to synthetic chemicals in cleaning products, aligning with the video's theme of harnessing natural processes for cleaning.

💡Detergent pollution

Detergent pollution refers to the environmental impact caused by the release of detergents and their chemical components into water bodies. The video discusses how traditional detergents, containing substances like phosphorus and nitrogen, can lead to water pollution and ecological imbalances. This concept is used to contrast the environmental harm caused by conventional cleaning products with the eco-friendly approach of the featured company.

💡Eco-enzymes

Eco-enzymes are enzymes derived from natural sources that are used for their cleaning and degrading properties. The video introduces the concept of eco-enzymes as a gentler and more sustainable alternative to traditional cleaning chemicals. The founders of the company aim to raise awareness about the benefits of eco-enzymes, positioning them as a key component in the move towards greener cleaning solutions.

💡Shelf life

Shelf life refers to the duration for which a product remains effective and safe to use. The video addresses the challenge of enzyme cleaners having a potentially shorter shelf life due to their sensitivity to certain temperatures. This is an important consideration for the practical application and commercial viability of natural cleaning products, as it affects their usability and consumer trust.

💡Sustainability

Sustainability in the context of the video refers to the company's practices of using waste products, reducing environmental impact, and promoting long-term ecological balance. The video showcases how the company's use of pineapple scraps for cleaning products exemplifies sustainable business practices, which is central to the video's narrative of promoting eco-friendly alternatives.

💡Fuwa Biotech

Fuwa Biotech is the company featured in the video that specializes in creating cleaning products from fruit waste. The name 'Fuwa' is derived from 'fruit warrior,' reflecting the company's mission to champion the use of natural ingredients in cleaning products. The company's story and products serve as a case study in the video to illustrate the potential of innovative, sustainable business models.

Highlights

About half of every pineapple eaten ends up in the trash, but companies like Fuwa Biotech are turning fruit scraps into natural soap and cleaners.

Fuwa Biotech's products are claimed to be safer for both the planet and people, with the founder, Le Duy Hoang, consuming their products daily.

Fermented fruit is a part of a new trend in cleaning with enzymes instead of harsh chemicals.

Traditional cleaning products, derived from fossil fuels, contain elements like phosphorus and nitrogen that can harm waterways.

Detergent pollution has become a global issue, causing rivers to foam and algae to overgrow.

Fuwa Biotech utilizes fruit waste from a pineapple canning factory, preventing it from rotting in landfills and producing methane.

The fermentation process at Fuwa involves mixing sugar, water, and pineapple peels to create a solution rich in enzymes and acids.

Enzymes in the fermented mixture can fight germs by breaking down their cellular structure, potentially killing bacteria or slowing their growth.

Fuwa's cleaning solution formula is publicly shared, consisting of 10 parts water, one part sugar, and three parts pineapple peels.

After three months of fermentation, the mixture is filtered to obtain a clear enzyme solution used as a base for Fuwa's cleaning products.

The leftover solids from the fermentation process are used as fertilizer for local farms, promoting a circular economy.

Fuwa adds safe additives from coconut oil, corn oil, and essential Vietnamese oils to enhance the cleaning properties of their products.

Fuwa's products are competitively priced, often less than the cost of similar imported cleaning products.

The company conducts in-house lab tests to ensure the quality and safety of their products, comparing them to competitors' offerings.

Research suggests that pineapple enzyme mixtures can be as effective as bleach in killing certain types of bacteria.

Fuwa's mission is to reduce the worry of toxic chemicals in homes by offering a gentler, eco-friendly alternative for cleaning products.

The company's potential for growth is significant, with ample pineapple waste available in the region to scale up production.

Despite the need for more research on enzyme cleaners, Fuwa is eager to spread awareness about the benefits of eco-enzymes.

Transcripts

Narrator: About half of every pineapple you eat

ends up in the trash.

The skin and core can be composted,

but in many places, they aren't.

One company turns fruit scraps into natural soap

and cleaners.

The founder, Le Duy Hoang,

says they're safer for the planet and people.

So safe, he drinks the stuff every day.

It's actually very sour.

It contains many organic acids and vitamins.

It's just like eating fruit.

Narrator: Fermented fruit is part of a new trend —

cleaning with enzymes instead of harsh chemicals.

Does it actually work?

Throughout history,

people have used all sorts of stuff to wash up —

everything from animal fat to human urine.

In the early 20th century,

scientists figured out how to make suds in a lab

using fossil fuels.

That paved the way for all kinds of synthetic gels,

powders, and cleaning chemicals,

which are all detergents.

Announcer: So much whiter, she can actually see the difference instantly.

Narrator: The problem is they were full of stuff

that water treatment plants weren't built to clean out,

like phosphorus and nitrogen.

When those elements flood waterways,

they can make algae grow faster,

creating thick layers of muck that suffocate life below.

That's exactly what happened in North America in the 1960s.

Announcer: Lake Erie is almost biologically dead.

Narrator: Today, detergent pollution

has spread around the world,

foaming up rivers

and fueling overgrown algae.

Fuwa Biotech is betting that fruit cleaners

are the next chapter for cleaning products.

The name Fuwa comes from the phrase "fruit warrior."

The company buys fruit waste from a factory

that makes canned pineapple.

Workers here chop thousands of them every day.

This pile is from just a half day's work.

These used to rot in nearby landfills,

creating bad smells and methane,

a powerful planet-warming gas.

Now, workers load the scraps onto a truck

and travel about 2 miles to the production site.

Here, the team unloads the fruit skins and washes them.

Hoang: So everyone can see how clean the pineapple peels are.

We only need to wash it one more time.

Narrator: Next, they mix together the first ingredients,

sugar and water.

Fuwa uses about 2 metric tons of sugar every month.

Hoang: Sugar is food for microorganisms,

so you can't ferment without sugar.

Workers add the pineapple peels to the sugar water

and wait for the mixture to start to ferment.

Fermentation is when microbes like bacteria or yeast

break down complex molecules like sugar

into simpler stuff like alcohol.

It's how barley becomes beer and grapes become wine.

At Fuwa,

fermentation is how waste becomes cleaning fluids.

But the secret isn't alcohol.

It's the enzymes and acids the pineapples will release.

Enzymes are molecules that speed up chemical reactions,

like digestion in the human body.

Certain enzymes can fight germs by entering cells

and breaking them apart from the inside.

This can either kill bacteria or just slow them down enough

that they probably won't make you sick.

But to make those germ-stopping enzymes from plants,

you have to ferment the right mix of ingredients

for just the right amount of time.

Workers here stir the mixture every day.

After about a month, it looks like this.

Hoang: The pineapples' peels are much softer.

Some have started to decompose.

And there's the nice scent.

Very sour.

Narrator: By two months,

this glob of bacteria and microorganisms forms.

That's how you know it's working.

The founders don't keep any of their process a secret.

The ratio is 10 parts water,

one part sugar, and three parts pineapple peels.

Narrator: Hoang says he learned this technique

from Rosukon Poompanvong.

She's a scientist and Buddhist nun

who figured out the formula,

then shared it freely for others to use.

After the mixture ferments for three months,

there's enough acid and enzymes for it to work as a cleaner.

Now, it's ready to be filtered.

We filter it to get the clearest enzyme

and pump it up into the containers like these.

Narrator: The leftover solids become fertilizer for nearby farms,

and the remaining liquid is the base

for everything Fuwa makes.

Then we add in a few safe additives

from coconut oil, corn oil,

and essential Vietnamese oils to make detergents.

Narrator: Fuwa buys those oils from local farmers

who make them using agricultural waste

like stems and leaves.

The final mixture is bottled

and shipped to mini-marts around Vietnam

or to online customers in most countries.

One bottle of dish soap sells for just over $2.

Hoang says that's less than the cost

of similar imported products.

Fuwa uses an onsite lab to test its products,

and it looks at competitors' stuff as well,

measuring the pH and testing for other additives.

Cleaning with fermented fruit is a fairly new concept,

but there's evidence it has a lot of potential.

Researchers compared a pineapple enzyme mixture

to bleach and water

and found it killed one type of bacteria equally well.

And early research suggests fruit enzymes

might even make wastewater cleaner.

We know more about common chemical cleaners like bleach.

They kill lots of germs but come with other risks.

Hoang started making fruit cleaners when his wife,

now the company's CEO, developed eczema.

Hoang: My wife had eczema,

which means the skin gets cracked

and bleeds in the winter.

Then I realized that the cause

of my wife's illness

was partly due to the use

of industrial cleaning detergents.

Narrator: Studies have linked cleaning products to skin irritation

and breathing problems, including asthma.

When used and stored properly,

they're safe for most people.

But mixing bleach with the wrong cleaners

can create deadly gas,

which happens thousands of times

per year in the United States.

So could we one day replace household bleach

and detergents with fermented pineapples?

We asked an expert.

You'd be surprised — yes. Totally, yes.

Narrator: But he also said we need more research.

There's only a certain number of bacteria that has been tested.

So we probably got to do a wide range of studies

with a wide range of microorganisms

to ensure that it's really effective.

Narrator: Enzyme cleaners pose another challenge —

shelf life.

Hetal: It will be one of the major issues.

With certain temperatures,

it might be inactivated.

Narrator: Fuwa says its products

can last about two years,

which is about as long as most chemical cleaning sprays.

Still, Fuwa has more work to do.

With so much pineapple processing in the region,

the company says it has lots of waste to work with.

Fuwa's scale can be up to five or 10 times larger than now

and still won't be facing any material problems.

Narrator: But mainly, the founders want people to know

there's a gentler alternative.

Hoang: It's not just about Fuwa's products.

We want people to be aware of how great eco-enzymes are.

Narrator: So they're eager to spread the word.

Tien: Our mission is to help people around the globe

reduce one worry in their daily lives.

That is the danger of having toxic chemicals in their homes.