Pineapple the new soap

About half of every pineapple you eat ends up as waste, with the skin and core typically being discarded despite their composting potential. This inefficiency in pineapple consumption is a global issue, with environmental implications. However, one forward-thinking company is pioneering a solution by transforming fruit scraps, including pineapple remnants, into natural soap and cleaning products. Meet Fua, whose name is derived from "fruit warrior," a company that believes its products are not only safer for the environment but also for people, to the extent that its founder, DUI Huang, regularly drinks the concoction he creates.

This innovative concept of cleaning with enzymes from fermented fruit marks a significant departure from traditional harsh chemicals. Throughout history, people have employed a range of substances for cleaning, from animal fat to even human urine. However, in the early 20th century, a groundbreaking development occurred when scientists discovered how to synthesize detergents from fossil fuels. This discovery led to the proliferation of synthetic gels, powders, and chemical cleaning agents. While effective, these conventional detergents have a downside.

Many of these chemical cleaners contain phosphorus and nitrogen, substances that water treatment facilities struggle to remove. Consequently, these elements often end up polluting waterways, fostering the rapid growth of algae and creating thick layers of muck that suffocate aquatic life. A notable example of this phenomenon occurred in the 1960s when Lake Erie in North America almost became biologically dead due to detergent pollution.

Biotechnology companies like Fua are now pioneering a paradigm shift by focusing on fruit-based cleaners as the next frontier in cleaning products. Fua sources fruit waste, including pineapple leftovers, from a pineapple canning factory, diverting substantial quantities of scraps from landfills and helping reduce harmful methane emissions. These discarded pineapple remnants are then transported to the company's production facility, where they undergo a transformation into eco-friendly cleaning products.

The transformation process begins with mixing the fruit scraps with sugar and water to initiate fermentation. Fermentation is a natural process whereby microbes, such as bacteria and yeast, break down complex molecules like sugar into simpler substances like alcohol. This same principle is harnessed when barley becomes beer and grapes become wine. At Fua, fermentation is the key to turning waste into effective cleaning fluids, but the magic lies not in the alcohol produced but in the enzymes and acids released by the pineapples during this process.

Enzymes are molecules that accelerate chemical reactions, akin to how digestion works in the human body. Certain enzymes can combat germs by penetrating bacterial cells and disrupting their structures from the inside. This action either kills bacteria or retards their growth sufficiently to prevent illness.

However, creating germ-fighting enzymes from plants necessitates precisely calibrated fermentation with the right mixture of ingredients over an appropriate duration. Workers at Fua carefully stir the mixture daily, and after about a month, it begins to transform into a glob of bacteria and microorganisms, a visual indication that the process is working.

One distinguishing aspect of Fua's approach is their commitment to transparency. Huang, the founder, learned this fermentation technique from a scientist and Buddhist nun who developed the formula and openly shared it for wider use. After three months of fermentation, the resulting mixture boasts enough acid and enzymes to function effectively as a cleaner. Subsequently, it undergoes filtration, with the remaining solids being repurposed as fertilizer for nearby farms, and the liquid serving as the foundation for Fua's range of cleaning products.

Fua also takes an environmentally conscious approach to sourcing raw materials. They purchase oils from local farmers who create them using agricultural waste such as stems and leaves. The final mixture is bottled and distributed to convenience stores across Vietnam and online customers around the world, with one bottle of dish soap retailing for just over two dollars.

To maintain product quality, Fua operates an on-site lab for rigorous testing of their products. They also evaluate competing products, measuring pH levels and scrutinizing for any potential additives. Research has already demonstrated that pineapple enzyme mixtures can be as effective as bleach in killing bacteria. Moreover, preliminary findings suggest that fruit enzymes may have the potential to improve wastewater treatment processes.

While traditional chemical cleaners like bleach are renowned for their germ-killing capabilities, they come with associated risks. Studies have linked the use of conventional cleaning products to skin irritation and respiratory issues, including asthma. When used and stored correctly, these chemicals are generally safe, but the improper mixing of bleach with certain other cleaners can generate lethal gases, an occurrence that happens thousands of times annually in the United States.

So, could fermented pineapples one day replace household bleach and synthetic detergents entirely? The answer is a tentative "yes." Enzyme-based cleaners show immense promise, but further research is required to establish their effectiveness against a broader spectrum of microorganisms. Another challenge is the shelf life of enzyme cleaners, which can be influenced by temperature variations.

Fua acknowledges that there is still much work to be done, but they are enthusiastic about spreading awareness of this gentler and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cleaning products. Their hope is that more people will embrace this innovative approach, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of their cleaning routines, all while still enjoying effective cleanliness and hygiene.

In conclusion, Fua's innovative approach to cleaning with fermented fruit waste not only addresses the issue of pineapple waste but also represents a significant step towards eco-friendly and sustainable cleaning practices. As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their choices, solutions like Fua's fruit-based cleaners offer a promising alternative to traditional, chemical-laden cleaning products. With further research and development, these products have the potential to revolutionize the cleaning industry and contribute to a greener, healthier planet