Soap from pineapple skins: A Vietnamese entrepreneur's eco-friendly revolution

The human history of soapmaking has been a journey full of clever ideas and sometimes strange ingredients. In ancient times, people learned how to clean using natural ingredients, and nowadays, science whips up synthetic detergents. Since the 1960s, the use of detergents has increased exponentially because of their superior cleaning ability.

But they have a major drawback: environmental pollution, as the detergent foams as sewage waste crowds water sources, blocks sunlight from entering the water body, and kills aquatic life. So, an eco-friendly alternative to this was badly needed. 

Many alternative cleaning products have been invented so far; the most recent one is the Vietnamese company 'Fuwa Biotech', which uses pineapple skins to produce soaps and various cleaning products.

Co-founder Le Duy Hoang, driven by his wife's battle with eczema linked to synthetic cleaning products, initiated the shift towards fruit-based cleaners. Fuwa Biotech's organic alchemy involves a balanced concoction of 10 parts water, 1 part sugar, and 3 parts pineapple skins, meticulously formulated by scientist and Buddhist nun Rosukon Poompanvong. 

The production begins with acquiring fruit waste from nearby pineapple-canning enterprises, where workers carefully clean and slice the pineapples. The addition of water and sugar initiates the fermentation process, activating the acids and enzymes within the pineapple waste to combat germs. 

The fermentation process not only transformed waste into useful products but also released O3 (Ozone) gas during daily stirring—a natural agent capable of purifying air, repelling insects, and eliminating bacteria and fungi.

After a month of ageing, the pineapple peels soften, and some decompose, emitting a pleasant scent. The formula gains viscosity by the second month and, enriched with enzymes and acids after three months, evolves into a potent cleaner. 

The liquid is filtered, while the solid waste contributes as fertiliser for local farms. Oils like coconut and corn oil, sourced from local farmers utilising agricultural waste, are incorporated into craft detergents.

Fuwa Biotech's dish soap, priced at around $2, competes favourably with synthetic alternatives and boasts a commendable two-year shelf life. Fruit enzyme cleaners demonstrate comparable effectiveness to bleach and water against specific bacteria, with promising waste-cleaning potential. 

Fuwa Biotech's initiative wasn't merely a commercial success, with monthly sales exceeding 200 million Vietnamese Dong and an environmental triumph. Products from Fuwa Biotech were certified by the Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute for their ability to remove 98% of bacteria.

The company envisions expanding production, involving more locals in creating cleansers from fruit peels and fostering a greener way of life. Many consumers embraced eco-enzyme cleaners for their safety, gentleness, and biodegradability. 

As awareness grew, more individuals sought natural, organic alternatives, recognising their positive impact on both personal health and the environment. The success of Fuwa Biotech not only echoed with consumers seeking greener options and set an inspiring example of turning environmental challenges into opportunities for positive change.

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