With its sweet aroma and perfect crunch, “Phulae Pineapple” has become a geographical indication (GI) product of Chiang Rai province, consistently ordered by China in various forms such as fresh, peeled, or trimmed fruit for export every year. Currently, more than 50,000 rai are dedicated to cultivating this pineapple variety in Chiang Rai, yielding over 100,000 tons annually. However, the production process generates significant amounts of waste materials, which have high potential for being transformed into valuable products. Given the international import requirements and consumer emphasis on “Carbon Labels,” it is essential to consider the carbon emissions throughout the production process. Research aimed at adding value to waste materials and calculating the carbon footprint of Phulae Pineapple products through data collection and aerial imagery is crucial to maintaining its competitive edge in the Chinese and other international markets.
This led to the inception of the project using innovation to increase the value of waste materials and assess the carbon footprint throughout the Phulae Pineapple production and processing chain in Chiang Rai. Supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the project is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anurak Khanthachuan from the Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT). Over the one-year project (initiated in April 2023), two sub-studies are conducted: (1) analyzing the carbon footprint data throughout the Phulae Pineapple cultivation and processing chain using mathematical processes and algorithms in conjunction with aerial drone imagery, and (2) exploring ways to add value or create innovations from waste materials in line with the Zero Waste approach. The main goal is to raise awareness among farmers and entrepreneurs about the environmental impacts on the industry, leading to changes in production and management practices that benefit both the environment and the Phulae Pineapple market domestically and internationally.
Drones and AI Analyze Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Songkiat Patrapatamavong from the Faculty of Engineering, KMUTT, a researcher in the project, highlighted the importance of gathering data on resource usage from cultivation to harvest, including water, fertilizers, chemicals, and fuel. This data will be used to calculate the carbon emissions released into the atmosphere.
“Using resource data such as the type of chemicals and their frequency and quantity, we can convert these into greenhouse gas emissions or carbon releases using the calculation methods of the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO).”
It was found that waste materials like stalks and leaves generate the most greenhouse gases, contributing to 58% of emissions if left to decompose naturally, followed by fertilizer use (26%) and fuel consumption (15%).
Innovation to Add Value to Phulae Pineapple Waste
The research team from the Faculty of Bioresources and Technology, KMUTT, in collaboration with Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, aims to convert the waste peel of Phulae Pineapple into high-value rare sugar. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Warit Silaong, Dean of the Faculty of Bioresources and Technology at KMUTT, explained that the pineapple peel contains valuable substances that can be extracted as rare sugar, a high-value sweetener beneficial to health.
“Rare sugar is a monosaccharide found in small quantities in nature. It has less sweetness but promotes the growth of probiotics and inhibits harmful bacteria, improving health, aligning with current consumer demands.”
The process involves drying the pineapple eyes discarded by Mae Fah Luang University, which are then analyzed and extracted into rare sugar using biological methods instead of traditional chemical methods. The dried pineapple eyes are ground into fine powder, reacted with microorganisms in a bio-reactor under controlled conditions, and then spray-dried into high-value rare sugar powder.
This project not only reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions but also creates high-value products that cater to the health-conscious market, making it environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. Future plans include exploring further applications of rare sugar in cancer prevention, antioxidant properties, diabetes, obesity prevention, and enhancing agricultural product quality.
