Recycling Pineapple Leaf (Ananas Comosus) Agro-Waste as an Alternative Raw Material to Produce Eco-Friendly Paper

Abstract

This study investigates the viability of recycling pineapple leaf agro-waste (PALF) as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to wood-based pulp for paper production in Sierra Leone. The research addresses the dual challenges of heavy reliance on imported paper products and the environmental problem of agricultural waste mismanagement. An experimental design was employed to compare two distinct pulping techniques: a chemical method using an 11% Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution and a traditional method using a locally sourced wood ash lye solution. Fibers were extracted from pineapple leaves, converted into pulp, and then formed into handmade paper sheets. The physical and mechanical properties of the resulting papers, including thickness, water absorbency, writing quality, tensile strength, and tearing resistance, were systematically analyzed. The findings indicate that the NaOH pulping method produced higher quality paper, exhibiting superior tensile strength (500 N/m breaking force), a smoother finish, and minimal ink feathering, making it suitable for writing and printing applications. In contrast, the wood ash lye method yielded a functional but lower-grade paper that was thicker, coarser, and possessed lower mechanical strength (410 N/m breaking force). The study concludes that pineapple leaf agro-waste is a highly promising non-wood fiber source for paper production. While the NaOH method is technically superior, the wood ash lye method presents a compelling, low-cost, and accessible alternative for small-scale, rural enterprises in resource-limited settings like Sierra Leone. This research demonstrates a practical model for waste valorization that aligns with circular economic principles, promoting environmental sustainability, green entrepreneurship, and import substitution. The study recommends scaling up production for pilot testing, optimizing chemical usage, and developing training programs to support local adoption of these sustainable technologies. This study, therefore, recommends that future researchers should explore optimal NaOH concentrations and environmentally friendly alternatives to reduce chemical use without compromising quality, and combining PALF pulp with other fibers (e.g., recycled paper, banana pseudo-stem pulp) could improve paper properties and reduce costs.