Pineapple Farming Waste Management

A Case Study on Mananasi Fibre, Thika, Kenya

Prepared by Sustain East Africa and Criou Energy for Mananasi Fibre Ltd. and The Chequered Flag

July 2024

Mananasi Fibre Ltd

SMEP is funded by UK International Development Finance and is implemented in partnership with

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), who provide Technical Assistance to the programme.
DISCLAIMER
This is a project output funded by the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental
Pollution (SMEP) Programme.

The project, implemented by The Chequered Flag and Mananasi Fibre, has been
awarded a UK International Development grant to implement a comprehensive
solution for pineapple biomass waste, including fibre extraction using the decortication
method. This pilot is complimented by a grant from UK Department for Environment,
Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to pilot "Pineapple Plant Waste to Biochar”.

This case study report addresses both SMEP and DEFRA pilot activities.

The SMEP Programme is funded by UK International Development and is

implemented in partnership with the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) who
provide technical support. UK International Development have appointed a Project
Management Agent (PMA) to manage programme delivery. The PMA comprises a
consortium partnership between Pegasys and SouthSouthNorth.

The views expressed and information contained in this document (including any maps
and their respective borders) are not necessarily those of, or endorsed by, the UK
government, UNCTAD or the entities managing the delivery of SMEP, which can
accept no responsibility or liability for such views, completeness, or accuracy of the
information or any reliance placed on them.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This case study report has been prepared by Sustain East Africa, who was contracted
by Mananasi Fibre. The report provides an overview of pilot activity that has been
undertaken by Mananasi Fibre at the Del Monte Pineapple Estate in Thika, Kenya,
commencing in July 2023.

A review of the global pineapple fibre extraction industry and market, including
barriers and opportunities, is presented followed by an overview of the pineapple
waste management solutions implemented by Mananasi, which include fibre
extraction, biochar and bio-compost manufacture.

An Interactive Business Model has been developed based on the Mananasi pilot,
and the report focuses on the development of a financial model. This includes the
creation and verification of an interactive Excel tool for widespread use and
commercial viability analysis, model testing as well as assessing the potential for
scaling. This tool allows for context-specific assumptions, such as energy costs, labour
costs, volumes, scale, and pricing, which have been developed based on farm visits
and data collection. This report provides a guide on use of the tool and assesses the
viability of a pineapple fibre and biochar model in other locations.

A Carbon Credit Roadmap Report is presented for pineapple waste management,

designed to provide support for project partners in documenting carbon credit
acquisition processes. The carbon credit roadmap provides a detailed overview of the
process for obtaining and selling carbon credits. It includes methodologies, verification
processes, and the financial benefits accrued. This part also includes workshop
facilitation, literature review, and documentation regarding the carbon market, biochar,
and related financial benefits. A high-level summary of soil nutrient enhancement
analysis and an evaluation of the long-term impact of biochar-enriched compost on
biodiversity is also presented.

Finally, this report provides an overview of the social relationships of the project based
on a social impact assessment that was undertaken for the Mananasi operations.
The main data collection phase includes the development, presentation, and
refinement of survey tools, training, and oversight of enumerators for field data
collection, and case study research focusing on small-scale farmers, particularly
women. In this document, only the high-level findings are included.

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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................... II
TOTAL PINEAPPLE WASTE MANAGEMENT............................................................ 1
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 2
2 Global Review of the Pineapple Production Industry .......................................... 2
2.1 Challenges and Barriers in Developing and Implementing Pineapple Waste Management
Strategies .......................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Global Market for Pineapple Fibre ......................................................................................... 9

TOTAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PROCESSING MODEL ........................................10

3 Fibre Extraction ..................................................................................................11
4 Biochar and Biocompost ....................................................................................15
5 Interactive Business Model ................................................................................18
6 Barriers to the Business Model..........................................................................20
COMMERCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND POTENTIAL FOR SCALING ....................21
CARBON CREDIT ROADMAP FOR PINEAPPLE WASTE MANAGEMENT ..........27
7 What is biochar? ................................................................................................28
8 Climate Change .................................................................................................28
9 How does biochar sequester carbon? ...............................................................29
10 Why pineapple leaf waste? ............................................................................30
11 Carbon credits ................................................................................................30
11.1 What are carbon credits? .................................................................................................... 30
11.2 What is a carbon credit from pineapple waste biochar? ...................................................... 31
11.3 What is a carbon standard?................................................................................................. 31
12 Key Principles for Developing Carbon Projects .............................................34
12.1 Life-Cycle Assessment ........................................................................................................ 38
12.2 Project Financing ................................................................................................................. 39
12.3 Mananasi’s journey in developing the pineapple waste biochar project .............................. 40
13 Financial Returns from Biochar for Mananasi Fibre Limited .........................42
SOIL NUTRIENT ENHANCEMENT ANALYSIS ........................................................44
SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF MANANASI
FIBRE...........................................................................................................................48
DOCUMENT CONTRIBUTORS ..................................................................................51
RECOMMENDED CITATION ......................................................................................51

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Figures
Figure 1: Major pineapple-producing continents, FAOSTAT 2022 ............................... 3
Figure 2: Distribution of pineapple production globally in comparison to Kenya,
FAOSTAT 2022 ............................................................................................................. 3
Figure 3: Trend in yields of pineapple production globally from the year 2012 to 2022
........................................................................................................................................ 4
Figure 4: Top pineapple-producing countries in tonnes ................................................ 5
Figure 5: Fibre Processing and Biochar/Bio-compost Creation..................................11
Figure 6: Mananasi Ltd workers at a decorticator machine ........................................12
Figure 7: Fibre sun-drying............................................................................................13
Figure 8: Workers hand-feeding the brushing machine ..............................................14
Figure 9: Container loaded with fibre ready for shipping ............................................15
Figure 10: Mananasi Ltd workers at a hydraulic press machine ................................16
Figure 11: A worker operating a kiln at the Mananasi Ltd farm ..................................17
Figure 12: Drying of waste before pyrolysis ................................................................17
Figure 13: Final biochar biocompost product at one of the smallholder farms ...........18
Figure 14: Carbon Projects Flow Chart .......................................................................35
Figure 15: Mananasi Pineapple Waste Biochar Project Process ...............................42

Tables
Table 1: Table assessing the commercial viability of the Mananasi Limited total waste
management business model across pineapple-growing countries. Electricity price,
petrol price and unskilled labour wages are coloured according to their deviations from
the Kenyan price (red high, green low, yellow middle). Commercial viability is a high -
level estimate. ..............................................................................................................23
Table 2: List the Standards and Methodologies available for Biochar Projects .........32
Table 3: Carbon Projects Key Principles .....................................................................34
Table 4: Impact of Farm Harvest Based on Percentage Yields ..................................50

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TOTAL PINEAPPLE WASTE
MANAGEMENT

Mananasi Fibre Pineapple Waste Management 1

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TOTAL PINEAPPLE WASTE MANAGEMENT

1 Introduction
The Chequered Flag Ltd, and Mananasi Fibre Ltd are working collaboratively to pilot
waste management technology and business model for the disposal of pineapple plant
waste resulting from the industrial production of pineapples at the Del Monte plantation
in Thika, Nairobi Kenya. The solution presented in this project is aimed at addressing
the air pollution and greenhouse gas emission problem associated with the burning of
pineapple waste, and by creating additional value from this waste through the
production of fibre and the creation of biochar which will generate revenue from carbon
credits and sale to local smallholder farmers.

The current practice at the Del Monte plantation, like many pineapple producers
around the world, is to rotate their pineapple crops every three and a half years. After
the final harvest, the spent plants are knocked to the ground and left to dry before
being burnt. The waste material amounts to approximately 40,000 tons of dry matter
per year which, when burnt, emits approximately 52,000 tons of CO 2, 2,800 kg of NO2,
along with other particulate and noxious gases that pollute the atmosphere.

The Del Monte plantation is located on the outskirts of Nairobi where its boundaries
are densely populated. The smoke produced from the pineapple waste fires drifts into
these areas of in-habitation where the fine particulate and other products of
combustion can cause a range of health problems. The practice of burning the plant
waste is detrimental to the next rotation of pineapples in that it depletes the soil of vital
nutrients and the heat from the fires bake the soil, collapsing its structure and killing its
microbiome.

To increase soil fertility, Del Monte uses mineral fertilisers to restore nutrients in the
soil. However, these fertilisers do not replenish the organic matter or the microbiome
essential for soil health. Additionally, mineral fertilisers have a large carbon footprint,
both in their manufacture and application. The current practice of burning plant waste
is also inefficient for crop rotation. Del Monte must wait until the plant waste has
completely dried in the sun before incineration, a process that can take up to six
months depending on the weather, delaying planting and reducing productivity.

The waste management solutions address these issues by intercepting the plant waste
to produce textile-grade fibres, biochar and organic compost.

2 Global Review of the Pineapple Production Industry

The Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit cultivated worldwide, primarily in
tropical and subtropical regions. Originating in South America, the fruit was first
cultivated in Central America, Brazil, Paraguay, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Today,
pineapple production has expanded globally, with major contributions from Asia, Latin
America, and Africa.

The global pineapple industry has seen notable growth and development in recent
years. The market is projected to grow at a rate of 2% annually, with total production
expected to reach 37 million metric tons by 2030. As of 2024, the global pineapple
market is valued at approximately USD 28.79 billion and is projected to grow to USD

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39.13 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.33%. This
growth is driven by expanding harvested areas and increasing demand, particularly in
Asia and the Americas1.

Figure 1: Major pineapple-producing continents, FAOSTAT 20222

Figure 2: Distribution of pineapple production globally in comparison to Kenya, FAOSTAT 20223

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Pineapples thrive in tropical regions with high temperatures and humidity. Pineapples
grow well in acidic loams, sandy loams, and clay loam soils under warm and humid
climates with sunny days and cool nights. Fertiliser requirements increase sharply after
planting and peak at two to four months before floral initiation. The typical growth cycle
is 18-24 months from planting to harvest, with plants capable of producing multiple
harvests over several years.

Planting densities range from 50,000 to 70,000 plants per hectare, depending on the
variety and cultivation practices. Farmers employ various techniques to optimise
pineapple production, including proper land preparation, optimal planting material, and
effective post-harvest management.

Pineapples are grown in over 82 countries with over 2.1 million acres under cultivation.

Figure 3: Trend in yields of pineapple production globally from the year 2012 to 20224

As of 2022, Indonesia was the world's largest pineapple producer, with an output of
approximately 3.2 million metric tons, followed by the Philippines at 2.91 million metric
tons and Costa Rica at around 2.9 million metric tons5. In 2023, Costa Rica and the
Philippines led in fruit exports, while the United States ranked as the top importer.

By 2024, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and the Philippines remained the leading global
producers6. Other major producers include Thailand, Brazil, China, Nigeria, and the
Ivory Coast.

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According to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO),

Kenya produced an estimated 247,000 metric tons of pineapple in 2021. The Food
and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that by 2026, the country will produce
over 300,000 metric tons, with more farmers joining the industry7.

Figure 4: Top pineapple-producing countries in tonnes8

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In Kenya, pineapple9 is predominantly grown by large-scale producers. Large-scale

production is concentrated in Central Kenya, while the small-scale production is
concentrated at the Coast, Central and Western Regions of the country. Large-scale
pineapple production in Kenya is dominated by three farms; Del Monte Kenya Limited
based in Thika, Kakuzi Limited based in Murang’a and Ndemo Farm based in Kilgoris.

Kakuzi has a total of 100 ha under pineapple production, while Ndemo farm has 200
ha under pineapple production. Del Monte has the largest areas of pineapple
plantation in Kenya, spanning approximately 8,900 ha across Murang'a and Kiambu
counties. Kenya produces around 400,000 metric tons of pineapples annually, driven
by large-scale producers like Del Monte and numerous smallholder farmers.

Waste management practices in major pineapple-producing countries vary based on

factors such as local agricultural practices, technological capabilities, and
environmental considerations. While some countries prioritise composting and
agricultural utilisation of pineapple waste, others are exploring innovative approaches
such as biochar, biogas production and value-added product development.

The primary types of waste generated from pineapple cultivation include:

• Leaves and stems: generated during harvesting and processing.

• Peels and pulp: resulting from fruit processing, especially in the canning and
juicing industries.
• Discarded fruits: pineapples may be discarded due to quality issues or
overproduction.
The proportion of waste generated varies across different stages of the supply chain,
with on-farm and processing stages contributing the most. The management of this
waste10 varies including:

• Composting: this involves the aerobic decomposition of organic materials,

including pineapple waste, to produce humus-like material. Steps include
collection of the pineapple waste, the waste is then shredded to increase
surface area for microbial action and mixed with other organic materials (e.g.,
green waste, manure) to balance carbon and nitrogen ratios. The compost pile
is regularly turned to maintain aeration, temperature, and moisture levels,
promoting aerobic decomposition after which it’s left to mature and stabilise
over several months.
• Animal feed: Pineapple residues such as peels and pulp are processed and
used as livestock feed. The outer peel or skin and core from the pineapple
canning industries, known as bran, are utilised as feed for ruminants. After
collection, the waste is treated (e.g., drying, grinding) to remove harmful
substances and enhance digestibility. The processed residues are distributed
to livestock farmers.

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Upadhyay/publication/243972083_Utilization_of_pineapple_waste_a_review_2010/links/00b4951d2af280d05600000
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• Fibre extraction: Pineapple leaves are processed to extract fibres used in

textiles (e.g., Piñatex). The leaves are soaked to loosen fibres through
microbial activity and fibres are mechanically or manually extracted. Extracted
fibres are washed, dried, and processed into yarn or fabric.
• Bioenergy: pineapple waste can be converted into biofuels through anaerobic
digestion or fermentation processes. This involves breaking down organic
matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas that can be used for cooking
and electricity generation. The waste is pre-treated to remove impurities and
enhance biogas production. It is then placed in anaerobic digesters where
microorganisms break it down in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas
which can be used for cooking, heating, or electricity generation.
• Burning: In many regions, waste is not productively utilised and is burned,
though this is less environmentally friendly.
• Other innovative uses: researchers are exploring new uses for pineapple
waste, including:
• Bioplastics: Where pineapple waste is used to produce biodegradable
plastics, which are an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics.
• Biochar: a form of charcoal used to improve soil health and sequester carbon.
• Pharmaceuticals: Extracting valuable compounds from pineapple waste for
use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Box 1: Biomaterials from Pineapple Waste: Mexico

The Sustrato project11 in Mexico explores the transformation of pineapple waste

into biomaterials and sustainable products, including felt, agglomerated materials,
bioplastics, and ropes. The pineapple plant leaves, which represent 75% of the
harvested product, are usually thrown away and are considered the main residue.
Sustrato takes up existing knowledge in ancestral material manufacturing
techniques to revalue the commonly discarded pineapple leaves by using them to
create four biomaterials (felt, agglomerated, bioplastic and ropes), as well as some
sustainable products made of these materials. The bioplastic is made of pineapple
leaf bagasse and natural binders. The felt and agglomerated material are made
from extracted pineapple leaf fibre. The rope is also made of pineapple leaf fibre,
and it has high strength.

Box 2: Vermiculture in Ghana

Vermicomposting, a process that uses earthworms to break down organic waste,

has been identified as a promising method for managing pineapple waste in Ghana.
A pilot-scale study by Mainoo et al. (2009) demonstrated the effectiveness of
vermicomposting in reducing the wet mass of pineapple pulp and peels, as well as
the potential for vermicompost to serve as a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The

11 [Link]

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collected waste is placed in vermicomposting bins or vermidigesters along with

earthworms, typically Eudrilus eugeniae, which are native to the region. Throughout
the process, moisture levels, temperature, and aeration are carefully monitored and
adjusted as needed to ensure optimal conditions for decomposition.

Box 3: Integrated Waste Management in the Philippines

The Philippines, being a major pineapple producer, has developed several

innovative waste management strategies.
Textile production12: Pineapple leaves are used to produce piña cloth, a traditional
Filipino fabric known for its lightness and durability. This not only reduces waste but
also creates economic opportunities in the textile industry.
The process involves drying the leaves and then extracting fibre from them manually
or mechanically. The extracted fibres are washed and sun-dried and then spun into
threads and woven into piña cloth.
Biogas production: There are initiatives to convert pineapple waste into biogas,
providing a renewable energy source.
Animal feed: Pineapple residues, such as peels and pulp, are often used as animal
feed. This practice helps reduce waste and provides a cost-effective feed solution
for livestock farmers. The waste is dried and ground to enhance digestibility and
remove any harmful substances.

2.1 Challenges and Barriers in Developing and Implementing Pineapple

Waste Management Strategies

While significant progress has been made in developing and implementing pineapple
waste management strategies, several challenges and barriers persist, hindering the
widespread adoption of sustainable practices. These challenges include:

• Financial constraints: Many farmers face financial limitations that restrict their
ability to invest in waste management infrastructure, technologies, or services.
Lack of access to credit, financing mechanisms, or government support can
impede the implementation of effective waste management practices. SMEP
grant support to Mananasi Fibre Ltd helped to unlock the potential of waste
management in the Kenyan context.
• Technical expertise and capacity: Effective pineapple waste management
often requires technical expertise and capacity that may be lacking in some
regions or communities. Limited access to training, knowledge transfer, and
skilled personnel can hinder the successful adoption and operation of waste
management systems. The lessons learnt by Mananasi Fibre Limited, including
the underlying business model, are shared within this document to encourage
the adoption of integrated waste management.

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• Infrastructure and logistics: Efficient waste management relies on adequate

infrastructure and machinery for waste collection, transportation, and
processing. In many pineapple-producing areas, particularly in rural or remote
regions, the lack of proper infrastructure and logistics can pose significant
challenges to implementing sustainable waste management strategies. In
addition, decortication machines – designed specifically for pineapple leaves –
are rare, and this represents a key enabler for Mananasi Fibre Limited who,
through Chequered Flag Ltd, developed a bespoke decorticator for pineapple
fibre production.

2.2 Global Market for Pineapple Fibre

Pineapple fibre extracted from waste pineapple leaves is gaining popularity as a

sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional textiles and leathers as well as in
the motor industry. Piñatex13 is a prominent product made from pineapple leaf fibres
and is used in creating vegan leather products, including jackets, shoes, bags, and car
interiors.

• Pineapple fibre is renowned for its delicate texture, surpassing many other
vegetable fibres in softness.
• With a length of approximately 60 cm, a pristine white hue, and a lustrous
quality akin to silk, the fibre readily absorbs and retains various dyes.
• Despite its fine feel, the fibre possesses a robustness ten times greater than
that of cotton.
• Derived from the leaves of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus), this
multicellular lignocellulosic fibre comprises α-cellulose, hemicelluloses, and
lignin as its primary constituents.
• Typically yielding 2.5-3.3% of the weight of green leaves, the extraction
process underscores the resourcefulness of this sustainable material.
• When employed as an end fabric, pineapple fibre imparts a lightweight, easy-
care elegance reminiscent of linen.
The demand for pineapple fibre is one of the driving reasons behind the Mananasi Ltd
business model.

13 [Link]

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PROCESSING MODEL

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TOTAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PROCESSING MODEL

Mananasi Fibre Ltd has provided this document and an interactive business model,
which focuses on lessons learnt, to allow other farmers and entrepreneurs to create a
high-level understanding of the processes involved in this pineapple total waste
management project.

The concept can be separated into two activities, namely (1) fibre processing and (2)
the creation of biochar and bio-compost.

Figure 5: Fibre Processing and Biochar/Bio-compost Creation

3 Fibre Extraction
The fibre extraction process, which forms the financial backbone of the project due to
the high value of pineapple fibre, is currently underway and critical to the pilot's overall
success. The ongoing activities include:

Process 1:

• Plant Harvest: Immediately after the final fruit harvest, workers uproot the
plants by hand in the field and load them into trailers for transport to a central
processing facility and select leaves over 600 mm in length, suitable for fibre
production, and cut them from the plant. These selected leaves represent
approximately 40% of the available biomass. The harvesting and transportation
of pineapple plants and their leaves to the factory involve a series of
coordinated activities and resource management, ensuring the efficient
collection and delivery of raw materials for further processing.
o Based on the Mananasi Fibre Limited model, in the harvesting stage,
each worker can harvest approximately 300 kg of pineapple leaves per

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day. A vehicle used for transporting harvesters has a capacity of 52

people, with a fuel consumption of 4 km/l and a daily travel distance of
40 km. The dry matter content of the harvested leaves is about 15% of
their total weight. Harvesting operations are carried out for 300 days a
year, ensuring a continuous supply of leaves.
o For leaf transport, each vehicle has a carrying capacity of 8,000 kg per
trip, with a fuel consumption of 3 km/l, covering a distance of 40 km per
load. Each vehicle can make a maximum of 3 trips per day.
• Decortication: This fundamental process separates the fibres from the rest of
the plant. The leaves are automatically transported through the decorticator
machine by conveyor, where spinning rotors scrape the flesh from the fibre with
the help of cleaning water. The machine produces two outputs: fibre and a
watery, pulp-like residue. The pilot is implementing novel decorticator
technology developed by The Chequered Flag, featuring an automatic feed and
integrated fibre-washing mechanism. This technology significantly improves
productivity and fibre quality compared to traditional hand-fed machines.
o Based on the Mananasi Fibre Limited model: The decorticating process
involves a machine that extracts fibre from the leaves, with a fibre yield
of 1.60 % of the total leaf weight harvested. Each machine consumes
700 kg of leaves per hour, operating in two 8-hour shifts per day and
requiring 7 unskilled labourers per shift. Water consumption for the
decorticating process is 4 m³ per hour, and each machine is housed in
a shed with a size of 50 m² to accommodate its operation and
maintenance needs. The electricity consumption of the machine is 14
kWh per hour, producing an effluent with a dry matter content of 3%,
amounting to 4,027 kg of effluent per hour per machine.

Figure 6: Mananasi Ltd workers at a decorticator machine

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Process 3:

• Drying: The extracted fibre is taken to a nearby drying ground, where it is

spread out to dry in the sun. Workers inspect the fibre for quality assurance
during this process and reject any poorly decorticated fibre. Sun drying is
crucial as sunlight exposure bleaches the fibre and enhances its quality. The
drying lines operate at a rate of 0.31 kg/m/day. The cost associated with the
drying line is 3 USD per metre, resulting in the fibre achieving a dry matter
content of 88% of its weight.
• Brushing: This involves hand-feeding the fibre into a machine with a spinning
rotor and combs, softening and disentangling the individual fibres, thereby
enhancing the quality of the fibre. The brushing machine has a capacity of 12
kg per hour and requires four operators to run each machine. The electricity
consumption for this process is 3.50 kWh per hour, and it operates in two shifts
per day, each shift lasting 8 hours. The machine is housed in a shed with a size
of 50 m².

Figure 7: Fibre sun-drying

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Figure 8: Workers hand-feeding the brushing machine

• Baling: The fibre is packed into 100 kg bales using a hydraulic press. These
bales are then stored in a dry, well-covered shed, ready for packing into
containers and export. Each bale weighs 100 kg, with the baling machine
consuming 0.28 kWh of electricity per bale. The baling process involves two
operators per machine and incurs PET strap costs of 0.04 USD per metre, with
15 metres of strap used per bale. Each machine has a capacity to produce 8
bales per day and requires a shed size of 20 m².
• Sale: The fibre is exported via containers to markets in Europe and South-East
Asia.

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Figure 9: Container loaded with

fibre ready for shipping

This comprehensive and ongoing process ensures the efficient extraction and
preparation of high-quality pineapple fibre, providing the financial stability needed for
the project's success.

4 Biochar and Biocompost

The creation of biochar and biocompost starts with the processing of the effluent from
the decorticator.

Process 2:

• Moisture Removal with Hydraulic Press: The first significant step in the
process is removing moisture from the effluent using a hydraulic press. Each
machine has a capacity to process 5,000 kg of effluent per hour and is operated
by two operators. The electricity consumption for this process is relatively low,
at 0.62 kWh per tonne of effluent processed. The hydraulic press effectively
reduces the water content in the effluent, resulting in a wet cake with a water
fraction of 75% and a dry matter fraction of 25%. The wet cake produced
requires careful waste disposal management, costing approximately 0.23 USD
per kg of fibre. Each hydraulic press operates in a shed space of 20 m2, making
it a compact yet efficient component of the overall process.

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Figure 10: Mananasi Ltd workers

at a hydraulic press machine

Process 4:

• Drying and Pyrolysis to Create Biochar: Once the wet cake is prepared, the
next stage involves drying and pyrolysis to transform the dry waste into biochar.
The drying process incurs a cost of 10.00 USD, with an additional labour of 2
people per kiln. Each batch of biochar production involves 330 kg of feedstock,
and through the pyrolysis process, approximately 89.14 kg of biochar is
produced per batch using a Kontiki Kiln (see below). The biochar produced has
a density of 107.40 kg/m³ in the kiln, with a dry matter fraction of 95% after
drying, reducing the moisture content to just 5%. The labour cost for producing
biochar requires two people per kiln. The biochar produced contains 45.80%
carbon, with a CO2 equivalent conversion factor of 3.67. Each kiln run-time is
approximately 1.5 hours.

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Figure 12: Drying of waste

before pyrolysis

Figure 11: A worker operating a

kiln at the Mananasi Ltd farm

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Figure 13: Final biochar biocompost

product at one of the smallholder
farms

• Carbon market and local compost sale: The biochar credits are sold on the
international market (see below), and bio-compost will also be made available
for sale locally.

5 Interactive Business Model

Different business models, in different regions and countries, will be impacted by the
overall size and productivity of the farm target for a project like this. This is likely to
vary significantly between farms, with these factors impacting both fibre production and
biochar and bio-compost production. These variables include farm size and yield,
influenced by climate, rainfall, and pineapple harvesting rates. These variables impact
the rate of leaves harvested per year and thus determine the size of the operations
needed, and its potential profitability.

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TOTAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PROCESSING MODEL

Box 4: Variables used in the model design phase to account for regional differences in prices.

Labour costs are a critical factor in the current design of this project, as increasing
labour costs significantly influence the cost of goods. In the interactive business model,
a rough estimate of the cost of labour is provided to account for this. Additionally,
utilities will vary from country to country, affecting the overall cost structure. The costs
of machines and transport provided in the business model are based on the Mananasi
Fibre Limited model and are used in the processing assumptions tab to calculate the
necessary capital expenditures (capex) investments. The sale price is derived from
current market engagement work and contracts from Mananasi Fibre. Each project will
also differ in its financing mechanisms, so space is included to add up to two loans
and two grants at the project's start to help estimate cash flow requirements.

The farm size in the model is set at 4,200 hectares, with an average harvest distance
of 20 km one-way and a farm radius of 3.7 km. The pineapple plant yield is modelled
with an average plant size of 5 kg, of which 40% is leaves. The plant density is 72,000
plants per hectare, with a harvest percentage of 29% per year, resulting in a total leaf
yield of 172,800 tons per farm per year. The yield distribution is projected to increase
incrementally over the first ten years, from 5% in year one to 70% in years eight
through ten.

Labour costs are detailed with unskilled labour 14 at 3.8 USD per day and skilled
labour 15 at 8.0 USD per day. Overheads, including general and administrative
expenses, HR, management, and marketing, are estimated at a minimum of 50,000

14
Unskilled labour: tasks requiring a limited set of skills or abilities and minimal knowledge, typically involving daily
production work that does not rely on technical expertise or specialised training.
15
Skilled labour: roles that require specific training, expertise, or know-how to perform mental or physical tasks. The
roles require a higher level of education or specialised training to fulfil a job effectively.

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TOTAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PROCESSING MODEL

USD. These overheads account for 35% of the cost of sales. The ratio of skilled to
unskilled labour is projected at 15:1, excluding office costs.

Utilities and capital expenditures (CAPEX) include a diesel price of 1.23 USD per litre,
electricity at 0.13 USD per kWh, and water at 0.77 USD per cubic metre. Construction
costs are estimated at 220 USD per square metre. Transport vehicles, such as a bus
for 52 passengers, cost 40,000 USD, while a tipper and tractor for harvesting cost
58,000 USD. Key processing equipment includes a decorticator at 50,000 USD, a
hydraulic press at 5,000 USD, a brusher at 4,000 USD, a bailer at 10,000 USD, and a
Kontiki kiln at 2,615 USD.

Revenue projections include biochar carbon credits at 110.00 USD per tonne of CO 2
equivalent, with 70.00% of the gross sales value going to biochar revenue share. The
biochar compost sale price is set at 300.00 USD per tonne (biochar component only),
and the fibre sale price is 7,300.00 USD per tonne. The cost of shipping fibre is
estimated at 0.23 USD per kg.

Project finance considerations include two grants of 500,000 USD each, disbursed in
the first year. Loan options are provided with a primary loan of 500,000 USD at an
interest rate of 13.00% over five years and a secondary loan. These variables form the
foundation for modelling the project's operations, costs, and financial planning,
ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the project's financial requirements.

6 Barriers to the Business Model

The concept comes up against two difficulties namely:

i. The high costs of harvesting the plants and loading them into trailers, as well
as the high transportation costs of moving the material back to the processing
facility. To address this, the business, in the long run, will aim to develop a
prototype harvester which will automatically uproot the plants and deposit them
into the tipper trailer. This will greatly reduce production costs and make the
solution attractive in countries with higher labour costs.
ii. The business will also implement decorticators and shredders which are mobile
in the sense that they can easily be relocated between processing sites. To
fully utilise all Del Monte's feedstock, a number of processing sites will need to
be set up across the farm to be occupied depending on which part of the farm
the feedstock is coming from.

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COMMERCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
AND POTENTIAL FOR SCALING

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COMMERCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND POTENTIAL FOR SCALING

In evaluating the commercial sustainability and potential for scaling the Mananasi
business model to other countries, it is crucial to consider the varying economic and
environmental factors that impact each region. This assessment focuses on utility
costs, labour costs, and the total area of pineapple harvested in each country. By
comparing these variables to the established model in Kenya, where the business
model is proven to be successful, we can determine the viability of expanding the
operations to new locations. The analysis categorises countries into viable, not viable,
marginal, and not assessed groups, providing a comprehensive overview of where the
Mananasi business model can be effectively scaled to ensure long-term commercial
sustainability. By comparing these factors to Kenya, where the model is known to work,
we provide a high-level and rough estimate of the viability of the current structure in
other localities.

The cost of labour is a significant determinant of this viability. It is important to note

that this assessment does not conclude that the overall concept of producing pineapple
fibre and biochar is unviable in other countries. However, it suggests that the model
would likely need to be fundamentally restructured to reduce labour costs to maintain
its viability. The comparison highlights the potential challenges and adjustments
required to adapt the model to different economic environments.

Countries like Angola, Bangladesh, Cuba, Ethiopia, India, and Nigeria show high
viability due to their lower electricity, petrol, and unskilled labour costs compared to
Kenya. For instance, Angola benefits from a 94% reduction in electricity costs, a
78.06% reduction in petrol prices, and a 29% reduction in labour costs, making the
business model highly viable.

Conversely, countries such as Australia, Taiwan, Costa Rica, and Ecuador are
deemed not viable due to significantly higher labour costs. In Australia, for example,
unskilled labour costs are 3268% higher than in Kenya, which drastically impacts the
overall cost structure and makes the model unsustainable.

Other countries like Belize, Brazil, Cameroon, China, and Peru fall into a marginal
category. These countries have mixed results with some utility costs being lower but
labour costs remaining higher than in Kenya. For example, China shows a 60%
reduction in electricity costs and a 25% reduction in petrol prices, but the labour cost
is 155% higher, making the model only marginally viable.

The total number of countries in each viability category is as follows:

• Viable: 42 countries
• Not Viable: 14 countries
• Marginal: 16 countries
• Not Assessed: 14 countries
This is equivalent to the total areas of pineapples harvested per year (2022 data) in
each of the countries:

• Viable: 576,929 hectares (51% of global pineapple harvest)

• Marginal: 363,847 hectares (30% of global pineapple harvest)

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COMMERCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND POTENTIAL FOR SCALING

In summary, the core business model of creating fibre and biochar remains potentially
viable across 51 % of the global pineapple industry. Restructuring to reduce labour
costs would be necessary for some countries to maintain commercial viability in
marginal areas, accounting for 30% of global production. Adjusting the model to local
economic conditions is crucial for successful scaling.
Table 1: Table assessing the commercial viability of the Mananasi Limited total waste management
business model across pineapple-growing countries. Electricity price, petrol price and unskilled
labour wages are coloured according to their deviations from the Kenyan price (red high, green
low, yellow middle)16. Commercial viability is a high-level estimate.

Electricity Unskilled Labour

Petrol Price
Price Wage

Unit Unit Estimated Commercial

Country Unit (USD/day)
(USD/kWh) (USD/litre) Viability

Angola $0.01 $0.34 $2.68 Viable

Antigua and Barbuda No data No data $1.50 Viable

Argentina $0.07 $0.91 $5.60 Viable

Australia $0.22 $1.26 $128 Not Viable

Bangladesh $0.13 $1.06 $0.42 Viable

Belize $0.22 No data No data Marginal

Benin No data No data $1.50 Viable

Bhutan $0.02 No data No data Viable

Bolivia (Plurinational
No data No data $2.76 Viable
State of)

Brazil $0.20 $1.00 $8.00 Marginal

Brunei Darussalam No data No data No data

Cambodia $0.17 No data No data Viable

Cameroon $0.20 No data No data Marginal

Central African Republic No data No data No data

China $0.08 $1.17 $9.68 Marginal

China, mainland $0.08 $1.17 $9.68 Marginal

China, Taiwan Province of $0.17 $0.94 $28.57 Not Viable

Colombia $0.12 $0.92 $8.50 Marginal

Congo $0.10 No data No data Viable

16
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

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COMMERCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND POTENTIAL FOR SCALING

Electricity Unskilled Labour

Petrol Price
Price Wage

Unit Unit Estimated Commercial

Country Unit (USD/day)
(USD/kWh) (USD/litre) Viability

Cook Islands No data No data No data

Costa Rica $0.20 $1.45 $10.00 Not Viable

Côte d'Ivoire $0.20 No data No data Marginal

Cuba $0.01 $1.25 $0.66 Viable

Democratic Republic of
$0.10 No data No data Viable
the Congo

Dominica No data No data $1.50 Viable

Dominican Republic $0.21 No data $6.00 Marginal

Ecuador $0.10 No data $16.66 Not Viable

El Salvador $0.24 No data $10.00 Not Viable

Eswatini No data No data $2.02 Viable

Ethiopia $0.01 $1.31 $0.70 Viable

Fiji No data No data $1.34 Viable

French Polynesia No data No data No data

Gabon $0.20 No data No data Marginal

Ghana $0.20 $1.55 $3.75 Viable

Grenada No data No data No data

Guatemala $0.27 No data $8.75 Not Viable

Guinea No data No data $1.00 Viable

Guinea-Bissau No data No data No data

Guyana No data No data No data

Haiti No data No data No data

Honduras $0.23 No data No data Marginal

India $0.08 $1.24 $1.60 Viable

Indonesia $0.10 $1.14 $4.33 Viable

Israel $0.18 $1.96 $67.89 Not Viable

Jamaica $0.33 No data No data Not Viable

Japan $0.25 $1.09 $49.50 Not Viable

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Electricity Unskilled Labour

Petrol Price
Price Wage

Unit Unit Estimated Commercial

Country Unit (USD/day)
(USD/kWh) (USD/litre) Viability

Kenya $0.20 $1.55 $3.80 Viable

Lao People's Democratic

No data No data $1.75 Viable
Republic

Liberia No data $0.34 $6.00 Viable

Madagascar No data No data No data

Malawi $0.14 No data No data Viable

Malaysia $0.07 $0.47 $6.00 Viable

Mauritius No data $1.53 $5.00 Marginal

Mexico $0.18 $1.33 $13.83 Not Viable

Mozambique No data $1.23 No data Viable

Nepal No data $1.31 $2.00 Viable

Nicaragua No data No data $3.27 Viable

Nigeria $0.20 $0.34 $2.53 Viable

Panama $0.18 $0.97 No data Viable

Papua New Guinea No data No data No data

Paraguay $0.08 No data $2.68 Viable

Peru $0.23 $1.44 $6.50 Marginal

Philippines $0.18 $1.14 $10.91 Not Viable

Puerto Rico No data $1.25 No data Viable

Republic of Korea $0.10 $1.20 $40.00 Not Viable

Rwanda $0.24 $1.30 $2.00 Viable

Saint Kitts and Nevis No data No data No data

Saint Lucia No data No data No data

Samoa No data No data No data

Seychelles No data $1.50 No data Viable

South Africa $0.15 $1.28 $7.58 Marginal

South Sudan No data No data No data

Sri Lanka No data $1.31 $1.50 Viable

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Electricity Unskilled Labour

Petrol Price
Price Wage

Unit Unit Estimated Commercial

Country Unit (USD/day)
(USD/kWh) (USD/litre) Viability

Sudan $0.00 $0.13 $2.53 Viable

Suriname $0.02 No data No data Viable

Thailand $0.12 $1.14 $10.00 Marginal

Timor-Leste No data No data $4.00 Marginal

Togo $0.19 No data $0.42 Viable

Trinidad and Tobago No data No data $8.00 Not Viable

Uganda $0.20 No data $1.00 Viable

United Republic of
$0.10 $1.23 $2.50 Viable
Tanzania

United States of America $0.14 $0.96 $58.40 Not Viable

Venezuela (Bolivarian
$0.00 $0.01 $2.28 Viable
Republic of)

Viet Nam $0.08 $0.94 $4.67 Viable

Zambia $0.03 No data $4.20 Viable

Zimbabwe $0.01 $1.62 $4.92 Viable

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CARBON CREDIT ROADMAP
FOR PINEAPPLE WASTE
MANAGEMENT

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CARBON CREDIT ROADMAP FOR PINEAPPLE WASTE MANAGEMENT

In the next section, we delve into the process of obtaining and selling carbon credits
from the biochar produced during the Mananasi Fibres process. This includes a
detailed examination of the methodologies used, the verification processes involved,
and the financial benefits accrued from these activities.

Throughout this section, we provide lessons learnt from

Mananasi Fibre Ltd

7 What is biochar?
Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich product derived from the thermal decomposition of
organic material under low oxygen conditions, a process known as pyrolysis. It is
similar to charcoal but is primarily used as a soil amendment rather than as a fuel
source. Biochar is made from various organic wastes, including agricultural residues,
forestry by-products, and other biomass materials. When applied to soil, biochar can
improve soil health, enhance crop yields, and contribute to carbon sequestration.

This process results in a stable, carbon-rich product that has several beneficial
characteristics for agricultural and environmental applications, including:

• High Carbon Content: Biochar is primarily composed of carbon, which is

stable and resistant to decomposition. This makes it an effective tool for carbon
sequestration.
• Porous Structure: The pyrolysis process creates a porous structure in
biochar, which enhances its ability to retain water and nutrients.
• Alkaline Nature: Biochar often has a high pH, which can help to neutralise
acidic soils.

8 Climate Change
The release of greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane,
and nitrous oxide, is the key driver of current climate change. These gases are
released into the atmosphere through various activities, including the burning of fossil
fuels, energy production, agriculture, and industrial processes. Additionally, the
burning of agricultural waste and the production of fertilisers can also release GHGs.
In addition, the burning of agricultural waste contributes to air pollution that, according
to the World Health Organization (WHO), kills 7 million people a year including 650,000
children17.

As a greenhouse gas, carbon traps heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping
back into space, which leads to a warming of the Earth's surface. The increase in
atmospheric CO2 has already led to higher global temperatures and altered weather
patterns, making them more extreme and less predictable. This includes more frequent
droughts, heavier rainfall, and severe flooding. If significant action is not taken, the

17 [Link]

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CARBON CREDIT ROADMAP FOR PINEAPPLE WASTE MANAGEMENT

world will continue to warm, with catastrophic consequences. To maintain a 50%

chance of avoiding the worst effects of climate change, human-caused CO2 emissions
must be halved by 2030, and all greenhouse gas emissions must be significantly
reduced. By 2050, CO2 emissions need to reach "net zero" to sustain this chance.
Achieving these reductions will require coordinated efforts from society, governments,
and businesses worldwide.

9 How does biochar sequester carbon?

Biochar is considered a nature-based climate solution that combines several key
elements to address climate change. It is a technology that leverages natural
processes to sequester carbon and improve ecosystem health, offering a multifaceted
approach to mitigating the impacts of climate change. As of now, in many areas,
pineapple waste biomass is burnt, releasing significant amounts of carbon dioxide
back into the atmosphere. Integrating biochar production and carbon sequestration
into pineapple production could provide significant reductions in greenhouse gas
emissions, in addition to generating additional revenue for pineapple fibre production.
This will largely depend on the trade-off between the economic viability of creating
biochar from waste pineapple, and the corporate social responsibility of pineapple
farms to reduce and reverse their climate impacts.

Biochar sequesters carbon by converting organic material into a stable, carbon-rich

form through a process called pyrolysis, where biomass is heated in the absence of
oxygen. When applied to soil, biochar remains stable for hundreds to thousands of
years, effectively locking away carbon that would otherwise be released into the
atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2). Additionally, biochar improves soil structure,
water retention, and nutrient availability, further enhancing plant growth and additional
carbon sequestration through increased biomass production.

By incorporating biochar into soils, we achieve long-term carbon storage, making the
process carbon-negative, as it removes more CO2 from the atmosphere than it emits.
Furthermore, biochar can reduce emissions of other potent greenhouse gases like
methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from soils by improving soil aeration and
nutrient retention. This, coupled with the potential use of by-products like syngas and
bio-oil as renewable energy sources, makes biochar an effective tool for mitigating
climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable
agricultural practices.

Biochar holds significant promise as a tool for climate change mitigation, but it is not a
silver bullet. Its potential to sequester carbon and improve soil health makes it a
valuable component of broader climate strategies. However, several challenges and
considerations must be addressed for biochar to realise its full potential including
scaling production, economic viability and regulatory and policy support.

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CARBON CREDIT ROADMAP FOR PINEAPPLE WASTE MANAGEMENT

10 Why pineapple leaf waste?

Pineapple leaf waste is considered a good candidate for biochar production, for several
reasons.

• Cellulose and Lignin: Pineapple leaves and cores contain significant amounts
of cellulose and lignin. These organic compounds are crucial for producing
biochar with a high carbon content and a stable structure.
• Abundance of waste: Pineapples produce a lot of by-products that can be
used to make biochar. Between 55 to 70 percent of pineapple is waste (crown,
leaves, peel and core). Utilising this waste reduces the amount of organic
waste that needs to be managed or disposed of.
• Value-added product: Converting pineapple waste into biochar adds
economic value to what would otherwise be an agricultural waste product.
• Sustainability: Pineapple plants grow relatively quickly and are cultivated in
large quantities. The waste generated from pineapple farming and processing
is a renewable resource, making it a sustainable feedstock for biochar
production.

11 Carbon credits
11.1 What are carbon credits?

A carbon credit is a quantifiable, certified unit of reduced or removed CO 2 emission.

One ton of emissions avoided or removed equals one carbon credit. The emissions
from a project are quantified as tons of CO 2 equivalent per hectare per year. Carbon
credits are issued after a project has measured impact. Carbon credits have an
ownership that can be sold for a price. The sale of credits generates a revenue stream
for projects.

Carbon credits help companies, countries and individuals meet their carbon emission
reduction targets (e.g. net zero targets - where annual carbon emissions are in balance
with carbon removals).

The most important carbon market for Biochar is the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM).
The VCM was developed separately from Compliance Carbon Markets (CCM), and
has grown rapidly since 2016, with the intention of enabling private organisations and
individuals to purchase carbon credits voluntarily, either for corporate social
responsibility, offsetting their carbon footprints or for achieving corporate net-zero
targets. Many projects already have voluntary buyers of credits lined up, including
corporations and philanthropists.

Although international compliance markets still cover more GHG emissions than the
VCM, the VCM is growing relative to compliance markets as the demand for carbon
credits by private actors increases.

The VCM is much more flexible than the CCM however, the VCM faces some
challenges:

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• There is a risk of investing in initiatives that fail to deliver the expected

environmental benefits. The voluntary nature of these markets often leads to a
lack of standardisation in measuring and verifying carbon credits, contributing
to variability in offset quality and the potential for greenwashing, where
companies purchase credits more for the appearance of environmental
responsibility than for actual emissions reductions.
• Carbon price fluctuations can affect the stability of funding for long-term
projects.
• The complexity of implementing and verifying projects adds to the costs and
challenges, requiring rigorous methodologies and often third-party verification.
The global biochar market is experiencing significant growth. In 2020, the market size
was estimated at approximately $1.3 billion, with projections indicating it could reach
over $3.1 billion by 2025, growing at an annual rate of around 13.2%. This growth is
driven by increasing recognition of biochar's benefits for soil health, agricultural
productivity, and carbon sequestration.

11.2 What is a carbon credit from pineapple waste biochar?

Biochar has a high carbon content typically >40%. The carbon credits generated from
biochar production vary based on the type of feedstock and production methods.
Generally, one tonne of biochar can sequester between 1.5 to 3 tons of CO equivalent
(CO2e). This means for every tonne of biochar produced, 1.5 to 3 carbon credits can
be earned, making biochar an effective tool for carbon sequestration and a valuable
commodity in the carbon credits market.

A key lesson learnt from the Mananasi Fibre project is to ensure an

early assessment of the amount of carbon in the biochar, post-
pyrolysis. Subsequent analysis has demonstrated a lower-than-
expected carbon content in the Mananasi biochar, reducing the
amounts of credits produced, and reducing the profitability of the
model.

11.3 What is a carbon standard?

Each carbon project must choose a standard. A carbon standard is a complete set of
rules, procedures, and approved monitoring methodologies under which certified
carbon credits are quantified and issued. The decision on the carbon credit standard
and methodology to use affects processes at later stages such as project registration,
monitoring and reporting, and markets where the credits can be sold.

Biochar projects can be ‘high or low tech’ and this is reflected in the standards and
methods chosen.

• High tech:
o Characterised by advanced, automated equipment: sophisticated,
controlled pyrolysis units or reactors that allow precise control of
temperature, residence time, and other parameters to optimise biochar
quality

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o Detailed monitoring: employ advanced sensors and monitoring systems

to track temperature, emissions, and other critical parameters during
production.
o Large-scale operations: producing significant quantities of biochar
suitable for industrial or commercial applications.
o integration with energy recovery systems that capture and utilise by-
products like bio-oil and syngas for energy generation
o and compliance with stringent certification standards
• Low tech:
o Characterised by basic, manually operated equipment
o Basic, low-cost kilns such as traditional earth mounds, brick kilns, or
simple metal drum kilns that do not have precise control over the
pyrolysis process.
o Limited monitoring: minimal or no use of advanced sensors; monitoring
is often visual or based on simple temperature gauges; carbon
accounting is more approximate
o Small-scale operations: for local use in small farms or community
projects
o Minimal integration with other systems.
o and compliance with accessible certification standards suitable for
simpler setups.
The choice between high-tech and low-tech biochar kilns depends on factors such as
budget, available resources, desired scale of operation, and the level of control and
automation required. For large-scale commercial operations, high-tech kilns may offer
better efficiency and consistency, while low-tech kilns can be more appropriate for
small-scale or community-based projects with limited resources.

The Mananasi project is considered to be low-tech with a Kontiki kiln: a simple,

manually operated, open cone-shaped structure made of metal that can be
constructed with locally available materials and basic fabrication skills.
Table 2: List the Standards and Methodologies available for Biochar Projects

Organisation Carbon Description Tech

Standard

Carbon Global Artisan C- Provide a structured framework for Both

Standards Sink Methodology certifying and validating biochar
International projects aimed at carbon
sequestration. Here’s an overview
of their roles and methodologies:

Verra Verified Carbon A widely recognized standard for High

Standard carbon offset projects, including

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biochar, enables projects to

generate tradable carbon credits.

International International Provides comprehensive Low

Biochar Biochar guidelines for the production and
Initiative Standards use of biochar to ensure quality and
consistency.

European European Biochar Sets stringent criteria for Low

Biochar Certificate sustainable biochar production in
Foundation Europe, focusing on environmental
and quality standards.

Gold Standard Gold Standard Certifies carbon offset projects with High
Foundation a strong emphasis on sustainable
development and delivering high
climate benefits.

American American Carbon Offers standards for carbon offset High

Carbon Registry projects that include rigorous
Registry Standards validation and verification
processes for generating tradable
carbon credits.

Climate Action Climate Action Provides detailed protocols for High

Reserve Reserve carbon offset projects, including
Protocols biochar, to ensure they can
generate recognized carbon
credits in North America.

[Link] [Link] CO2 Focuses on carbon removal Both

Removal projects, including biochar,
Certificates allowing certified projects to earn
(CORCs) CO2 Removal Certificates.

Australian Carbon Farming Provides methodologies for Both

Government Initiative biochar use in carbon farming,
enabling projects to earn carbon
credits tradeable in Australian and
international markets.

Isometric Isometric Exclusively lists credits verified to High

Standard the standard and employs rigorous
scientific protocols to measure and
verify each credit across a growing
number of carbon dioxide removal
(CDR) pathways. Based in London
and New York.

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12 Key Principles for Developing Carbon Projects

Along with permanence and additionality, projects have to ensure several crucial key
principles:
Table 3: Carbon Projects Key Principles

Additionality This is a principle used in carbon offsetting to ensure that the

greenhouse gas reductions or removals by a project are a direct
result of the project interventions and not due to other factors.
For a project to generate an impact, it must be additional; this means
that the difference between baseline and project scenarios can be
directly attributed to the project’s activities and the funding through
carbon revenues.

Permanence Permanence means that the carbon sequestration impacts of a

carbon project are sustained over a long period (30 years) and
are not reversed.

Leakage Leakage refers to a situation where actions to reduce emissions

or increase removals in one area lead to an increase in
emissions in another area. e.g. when efforts to prevent
deforestation in one area push logging activities to a neighbouring
area, thus negating the overall positive impact on carbon emissions.

Double As the carbon markets are a payment-for-performance mechanism,

counting it's important that the same climate impact performance of a
project is not accounted for multiple times, nor is it claimed by
multiple parties. Carbon standard registries are established to
prevent and avoid double counting from occurring by carefully
tracking project performance and the trading of carbon offsets.

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Figure 14: Carbon Projects Flow Chart

Business Plan:

• The pineapple farm begins by creating a comprehensive business plan that

outlines the goals, expected benefits, and financial projections of the biochar
project. This plan includes an assessment of the farm’s current practices and
how the biochar project will integrate with and improve these practices.

The key lesson from Mananasi Fibre Ltd. is the importance of

securing agreements with landowners or farming cooperatives for
applying biochar to their soil and ensuring a consistent feedstock
supply before beginning feasibility studies. Without this, the business
model may not be successfully implemented.
The cost of biomass collection is a critical factor, especially if non-
leaf material is considered for use in biochar. Collecting dry biomass
out of the field is the most economic solution from a biochar
production point of view. This may not be optimal in terms of crop
rotations as the drying process can take some months rendering the
particular field unproductive from a cultivation point of view.

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If this biomass is wet, and in the field, the transport costs can be
prohibitive. Labour costs increase significantly when biochar is
delivered to farmers in a wet state, as its weight makes it difficult to
handle, requiring additional manpower for transportation and
application
Wet biomass is heavier and more voluminous than when it’s dry. This
increases the cost of loading, transport and offloading.
The drying of wet biomass after transportation from the field incurs
additional expense. In order to effectively dry the material, chipping,
mechanical dewatering, rotary dryers and sun drying are all possible
solutions however the additional operations are expensive.
Without decortication, and the value addition from fibre, it is unlikely
that a biochar project will be financially viable in its own right, due to
these high costs of transport and the costs of production, compared
to the relatively low margin of return. The cost of production in the
Mananasi Fibre business is $114 per carbon credit, excluding
transport costs. This cost is equivalent to the current market price for
these credits. Production costs vastly increase due to the costs of
drying of wet material post decortication, which must be considered.

Connect with Project Developer:

• The farm reaches out to a project developer who specialises in biochar and
carbon credit projects. The project developer provides expertise, resources,
and guidance throughout the project lifecycle.
Scoping, Concept Development, and Feasibility Study:

• Together, the farm and the project developer conduct an initial scoping to
identify the project’s potential impact and feasibility. This includes assessing
the availability of feedstock (such as agricultural residues), potential production
methods, and initial cost estimates. A detailed feasibility study evaluates
technical, economic, and environmental aspects to ensure the project’s
viability.
o The national policy environment is a key consideration in the
development of a project. In Kenya, changing legislation and a potential
“carbon” tax being debated during the early stages of Mananasi Fibre
have created uncertainty about project financing and returns.
Project Documentation and Design including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):

• Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive evaluation method used to

assess the environmental impacts associated with all stages of biochar
production and utilisation, from feedstock collection, production processes, and
transportation, to application and end-of-life.
• A detailed project documentation is prepared, covering all aspects of the
project design, implementation, and expected outcomes. A LCA is conducted

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to quantify the environmental impacts and carbon sequestration potential of the

biochar project from feedstock sourcing to end-of-life.
Validation:

• The project documentation and LCA are carried out by the project developer
and a third-party verifier (e.g. Planboo). This documentation then forms the
PDD (project design document) which is then sent to review by the carbon
standard organisation.
Register Project with Carbon Standard:

• Once validated, the project is registered with a recognized carbon standard

organisation. This registration process includes submitting all necessary
documentation and demonstrating the project’s adherence to the standard’s
requirements.
Finance Early Implementation after Proving Additionality:

• After proving the project’s additionality (i.e., demonstrating that the carbon
sequestration benefits would not occur without the project), early financing is
secured to kick start the implementation phase. This could involve grants,
loans, or investments from stakeholders interested in the project’s
environmental benefits.
Implementation and monitoring:

• The biochar project is implemented according to the validated design. This

includes setting up biochar production facilities, sourcing feedstock, and
applying biochar to the soil. Continuous monitoring is conducted to track the
project’s progress and measure key performance indicators, such as the
amount of biochar produced and its impact on soil health.
Verification:

• The monitoring data is collected daily using both hardware and software. This
equipment is provided by an MRV (measuring, reporting and verification)
provider, who in this case in Planboo. This verification process confirms that
the project is achieving the expected carbon sequestration and other
environmental benefits.
Approved Carbon Credits:

• Based on the verification reports, carbon credits are approved by the carbon
standard organisation. These credits represent the quantified amount of CO 2
equivalent that has been sequestered or mitigated by the biochar project.
Sell Carbon Credits:

• The approved carbon credits are sold on the carbon market to buyers looking
to offset their emissions. The revenue generated from these sales supports the
financial sustainability of the biochar project.
• There are several markets for carbon credits produced from biochar globally.
The following are potential markets for carbon credits from the biochar.

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i. Tech Companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple have ambitious

carbon neutrality or net-zero emissions goals. They may purchase carbon
credits from biochar projects to offset their residual emissions. Microsoft
has committed to purchasing 95,000 tons of biochar carbon removal credits
from The Next 150 over six years. This deal highlights the tech giant's
commitment to carbon-negative goals by 2030.
ii. Companies in the retail and consumer goods sectors, such as Unilever,
Walmart, and IKEA, often invest in carbon offset projects to align with their
sustainability commitments. Shell has also entered the market, purchasing
22,500 biochar carbon removal credits from The Next 150, indicating strong
corporate interest in biochar projects.
iii. Online Carbon Offsetting platforms such as Puro, Earth and Gold Standard
facilitate the buying and selling of carbon credits from various projects,
including biochar initiatives.
iv. Banks, investment firms, and insurance companies increasingly integrate
environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into their investment
strategies. Some financial institutions purchase carbon credits from biochar
projects as part of their ESG initiatives.
iii. Co-finance long-term implementation:
• The proceeds from selling carbon credits are reinvested into the project to co-
finance its long-term implementation. This ensures that biochar production and
application can continue, providing ongoing environmental benefits and
generating additional carbon credits in the future.
This detailed process ensures the biochar project is systematically planned, validated,
registered, implemented, and monitored to generate verifiable and marketable carbon
credits.

12.1 Life-Cycle Assessment

To understand how much carbon dioxide is sequestered in a project, the project must
develop a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Using an LCA for biochar credits involves
evaluating the environmental impacts of biochar production, usage, and end-of-life
stages to determine its overall carbon sequestration benefits and sustainability. This
includes:

i. Leaves Sourcing:
Assessment: Evaluate the environmental impacts of sourcing the leaves used to
produce biochar. This includes land use, agricultural practices, transportation of
raw materials, and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

ii. Biochar Production:

Assessment: Analyse the production process, including pyrolysis, energy
consumption, and emissions. Different production methods (e.g., slow pyrolysis,
fast pyrolysis, gasification) have varying impacts on GHG emissions.

iii. Transportation:

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Assessment: Examine the GHG emissions from transporting biochar from

production sites to application areas.

iv. Application in soil:

Assessment: Assess the benefits of applying biochar to soil, including carbon
sequestration, soil health improvement, reduction in fertiliser usage, and mitigation
of nitrous oxide emissions.

v. End-of-Life:
Assessment: Consider the long-term stability and decomposition of biochar in soil.
Biochar is highly stable and can sequester carbon for hundreds to thousands of
years.

vi. Carbon Credit Calculation:

Assessment: Use LCA data to calculate the net carbon sequestration achieved by
the biochar system. This includes subtracting all GHG emissions associated with
the entire life cycle of biochar from the total carbon sequestered. Accurate LCA-
based calculations ensure that biochar carbon credits are credible and reflect the
true environmental benefits.

By applying LCA, stakeholders can ensure that biochar projects are environmentally
sustainable and that the carbon credits generated are based on a comprehensive
understanding of the entire life cycle of biochar. This approach helps in making
informed decisions, optimising processes, and enhancing the credibility of biochar as
a carbon sequestration strategy.

12.2 Project Financing

Carbon projects have a fundamental financing challenge: to secure the upfront

investment to enable them to establish the viability of a carbon project and cover the
certification and first verification costs.

There are four primary ways to access this finance:

i. Grant funding - the project will not bear the burden of repaying a loan, and
sales revenues will immediately be available. The commercial finance sector
usually considers some projects too risky, due to uncertainty of whether a
project will achieve validation at all. Therefore, some charitable and large
donor funds are specifically geared to such projects.
ii. Loan or Project Financing - A loan designed to cover pre-issuance costs of
the project could be sought from any commercial lender (bank, financial
institution) but many of these lenders will find it hard to secure their loan. A loan
can also be secured from a buyer in the VCM. A company or reseller who is
keen to secure access to the future inventory from a project may be willing to
advance a loan to the project proponent to cover the development costs. The
funds will then be paid back out of the agreed payments for the purchase of the
future generated credits, ideally following a schedule that ensures that cash

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flow to the business from sales is not affected in the early years of
implementation.
iii. Prepayment - This will allow a VCM buyer or reseller to agree at an early-stage
prices for the credits, and likely will also involve the pre-paid credits being
priced at a significant discount.
iv. Investment - Where a project financier provides upfront working capacity for a
project in return for a share of the project revenues or carbon credits.
Agreements can have a joint venture or revenue-sharing structure, including
an equity stake.

12.3 Mananasi’s journey in developing the pineapple waste biochar

project

As part of the SMEP grant process, Mananasi Fibre Limited has begun to develop a
biochar carbon credit project. The following outlines the steps undertaken by Mananasi
Fibre.

• Partnered with Planboo:

i. Planboo is a technology provider specialising in biochar and carbon
removal in the Global South. Their advanced monitoring, reporting and
verification (MRV) technology ensures accurate carbon accounting to
generate high-quality carbon credits. Planboo has worked on biochar
projects in Asia, Africa and South America. They have a growing demand
for biochar carbon removal credits and their MRV technology is accredited
by CSI.

ii. Initially, Planboo was the sole provider of MRV equipment for Artisan Pro
biochar production, making them the obvious choice. However, recently
other companies have registered under CSI, offering similar services.
Despite this, Planboo continues to have a strong market presence with a
high demand for biochar credits, reducing the risk of unsold credits. This
dynamic may shift as new companies grow and establish themselves,
providing potential alternatives. For projects involving smallholder
pineapple producers in cooperatives, which focus on artisan biochar
production using pit kilns, Biochar Life is another established MRV provider
and might be a better fit.

• Partnered with Criou: Criou is a company that specialises in developing

emission reduction projects across East Africa, including biochar production.
They collaborate with local communities, technology specialists, and carbon
removal experts to create sustainable projects.
• Selected CSI’s C-sink methodology

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i. Criou was in the process of becoming a C-sink manager18 for CSI’s Global
Artisan C Sink methodology. A C-sink manager is legally registered in the
specific country where they manage artisan operations. Their role is to
make sure the biochar producer is adhering to the global artisan c sink
methodology, appoint an MRV provider, and act as the in-between for the
biochar producers and credit brokers/buyers.

ii. Due to the low volume of available feedstock from pineapple waste during
the early stages of the business and the fact that a Kontiki kiln was already
an accredited kiln under CSI, it meant the process of accreditation would
be quick. Kontiki kilns are the only verified kilns currently under the global
artisan C Sink method. Kontiki Kilns are relatively cheap at around $2500.

iii. There are currently two certified kilns under CSI’s Global Biochar C Sink
method (the upscaled version), Pyreg and Syncraft, these are both larger
high-tech kilns, outside the price threshold of this project. If Mananasi were
to upscale in the future and produce more than 1500m 3 per annum, then
they would be able to upgrade to the Global Biochar C Sink Methodology.
These kilns are more expensive costing > $1,000,000.

iv. Mananasi had a six-month timeframe to get accredited therefore this

methodology was chosen.

v. The project is considered Puro, Earth and Verra as other standards but
Criou had experience of the long timescale needed to establish these more
high-tech industrial solutions to generate its first credit. Not only would the
registration process take longer with Verra, but the price of credit is lower
than with CSI.

• LCA: Criou worked with Planboo to collect the data required to carry out the
pre-feasibility, feasibility and LCA19. The document that was created and the
data inputs required can be seen in the Appendix.
• Monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV): Planboo’s MRV consists of
hardware, which is attached to each kiln and software, on a smartphone, which
is used to plug in the data collected and create a report. These data take into
account the volume of feedstock per run, the volume of biochar produced per
run, moisture content of the feedstock before it is pyrolysed, temperature the
kiln reaches, videos/photos of the pyrolysis process in the Kontiki kiln,
videos/photos of quenching the biochar at the end of each run, videos/photos
of mixing the biochar with compost, manure or slurry and videos/photos of
application of the mixed biochar on the soil. The process is critical for the
transparency of the project with its credit buyers. The more transparent and

18 An Artisan C-Sink Manager is a company or organisation which manages and oversees Artisan Biochar
Producers, C-Sink Networks, Artisan Pros, and C-Sink Villages. The Artisan C-Sink Manager is legally
registered in the specific country where he manages artisan operations. Their role is to make sure the
biochar producer is adhering to the global artisan c sink methodology, appoint an MRV provider, act as
the in between for the biochar producers and credit brokers/buyers.
19 Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA): a comprehensive evaluation method used to assess the environmental

impacts associated with all stages of biochar production and utilisation, from feedstock collection,
production processes, and transportation, to application and end-of-life.

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detailed you are when explaining the project to credit buyers, the more
confidence those buyers have in the project.
• Upgrading to World Biochar Certificate (WBC): Once the pilot is up and
running and the business model has been proven to work, and the project
wants to scale, it would have to move from the Global Artisan C-sink
methodology (which caps biochar production at 500 tons per annum) to a WBC
certificate, which is another methodology under CSI.

Figure 15: Mananasi Pineapple Waste Biochar Project Process

13 Financial Returns from Biochar for Mananasi Fibre Limited

The Mananasi Fibre experience of creating biochar has created a mixed financial
outlook.

• The process of drying through hydraulic presses and in open fields, in addition
to the pyrolysis process, puts the cost of a credit at around $114, excluding the
harvesting and decortication costs.

• This cost is equal to the current price per credit, and once a revenue share is
paid to the project developers, the business will likely be incurring costs for
every credit produced.

• To overcome this, new methods for drying the feedstock before pyrolysis are
being trialled.

• In addition, there is a limited market for the bio-compost produced. This biochar
and bio-compost can have positive impacts on soil and plant health (see

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below). When this revenue stream is accounted for it will be likely that the
biochar process will generate profit for the business - currently, there is no
secure large-scale purchaser of the bio-compost. Securing a market for the bio-
compost from the outset is a key lesson.

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SOIL NUTRIENT
ENHANCEMENT ANALYSIS

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SOIL NUTRIENT ENHANCEMENT ANALYSIS

Mananasi Fibre Ltd.’s pioneering business model generates significant biomass as a

secondary by-product, which is destined for composting. This biomass, combined with
the biochar produced, forms a biochar-enriched compost. This compost is then applied
to newly established pineapple fields and made available to local farmers, enhancing
soil and crop health as part of a comprehensive waste management strategy.

Biochar is increasingly recognized worldwide for its positive impacts on soil health and
agricultural productivity. For example:

1. United States and Europe:

• Biochar has been widely studied and implemented to improve soil

fertility, enhance water retention, and reduce bulk density. In the United
States, research indicates that biochar applications can lead to
significant increases in soil organic matter and nutrient retention, which
are crucial for sustainable agriculture. Similarly, in Europe, biochar is
used to enhance soil structure and stability, making soils more resilient
to erosion and compaction20.

2. China:

• In China, studies have demonstrated that biochar application can

significantly increase soil pH and reduce exchangeable acidity, which
is beneficial for crop growth in acidic soils. For example, the Natural
Science Foundation of China reported that biochar increased soil pH by
up to 79.25% and reduced harmful aluminium content, which can be
toxic to plants. These changes improve overall soil health and crop
productivity, particularly in areas with poor soil quality 21.

3. Africa:

• In developing countries across Africa, biochar is being used to combat

soil degradation and improve food security. The International Biochar
Initiative highlights that biochar helps boost crop yields and soil fertility
in regions with nutrient-poor soils and low rainfall. By enhancing soil
structure and increasing nutrient availability, biochar supports
sustainable agricultural practices and reduces the need for chemical
fertilisers22.

4. South America:

• Inspired by the ancient Amazonian Terra Preta soils, biochar is being

used in South America to recreate these fertile soils. Biochar improves
soil carbon content and nutrient retention, leading to increased crop
yields. This practice not only supports sustainable agriculture but also
helps in carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation
efforts23.

20 [Link]
21 [Link]
22 [Link]
23 [Link]

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To understand the impact of biochar derived from pineapple fibre and to verify if it
meets these expectations, Sandeman Agronomy Services Ltd conducted tests on the
effects of biochar and bio compost on soil and crop health that was produced by
Mananasi Fibre Ltd.

The study included 16 treatments with various rates of biochar and compost. Biochar
treatments were applied at rates of 3.7kg/M, 2.0kg/M, and 1.24kg/M. Similar rates were
applied for compost biochar mix treatments. A control treatment following the farm
standard procedure was also included for comparison. A randomised plot design with
four repetitions for each treatment was employed to ensure robust and unbiased
results. The repetitions included all treatments distributed in a randomised manner
across the plots. All treatments followed the standard procedure to ensure that the only
variable was the organic material used. The pineapple variety used was MD2, with a
planting rate equivalent to 72,500 plants per hectare. The soil pH was maintained at
5.1. Nutrient rounds consisted of applying NPK 17-17-17 granular fertiliser at a rate of
10 grams per plant during the first and second months.

Soil health analysis was conducted seven weeks post-planting, examining various
chemical aspects and parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, phosphorus,
potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, sodium, iron, manganese, boron, copper,
zinc, cation exchange capacity, total nitrogen, organic matter, carbon to nitrogen ratio,
exchangeable acidity, and acid saturation. Soil samples were collected using a soil
auger to a depth of 10 cm, with 12 samples taken per treatment. These samples were
amalgamated into two comprehensive samples per treatment for
analysis. Measurements focused on key soil health indicators, providing insights into
the impact of specific soil amendment treatments.

Green Area Index (GAI) readings were taken at three- and six-weeks post-planting
using digital photography with the BASF GAI application. This method offered a
quantitative measure of the photosynthetic material present in the crop canopy, with
12 readings per treatment ensuring robust data collection.

Impact on Soil Health

Soil pH: Biochar-enriched compost is expected to neutralise acidic soils due to high
levels of carbonates, thus reducing exchangeable acidity. Studies, including one by
the Natural Science Foundation of China, have shown that biochar application
significantly increases soil pH and reduces exchangeable acidity, Aluminium, and
Hydrogen levels. The current study observed a 9.16% increase in soil pH in biochar-
treated plots compared to untreated plots, aligning with previous findings.

Exchangeable Acidity: The treated plots showed a 55% reduction in exchangeable

acidity compared to the untreated control. This reduction enhances the soil's nutrient-
holding capacity, allowing for better retention of essential cationic nutrients.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC): Biochar increases the CEC of soil, improving its
ability to retain positively charged cations like potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
The study found a 13.81% increase in CEC in biochar-treated plots, indicating better
nutrient retention and soil fertility.

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Organic Matter: Biochar-enriched compost increased soil organic matter from 2.97%
in untreated plots to 4.26% in treated plots. This enhancement aids in moisture
retention and soil structure, promoting better crop growth.

Macronutrients: Potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels were significantly higher

in biochar-treated plots, showing increases of 74.45%, 38.97%, and 60.50%,
respectively. This improvement is attributed to the reduced exchangeable acidity and
increased CEC.

Micronutrients: Iron and zinc levels increased by 23.48% and 45.35%, respectively,
in biochar-treated plots, while sodium and manganese levels slightly decreased.

Impact on Crop Health

Green Area Index (GAI): Biochar-enriched compost positively influenced the GAI of
pineapple plants. At three weeks, moderate biochar application rates showed slight
increases in GAI. By six weeks, higher application rates led to marginally significant
increases, suggesting that biochar's effects on crop growth become more pronounced
over time. The highest increase in GAI between weeks three and six was 11.96% with
biochar alone at 3.7 kg/M. The results demonstrated that the application of biochar,
both alone and in combination with compost, consistently leads to higher increases in
growth compared to the untreated control when assessing the increase in green area
index between week 3 and week 6 following planting.

Conclusion

The application of biochar-enriched compost from pineapple fibre waste demonstrated

significant improvements in soil health, including increased soil pH, reduced
exchangeable acidity, higher CEC, and enhanced nutrient retention. These soil health
benefits translate into improved crop growth, particularly in terms of the Green Area
Index for pineapple plants. While these results highlight the potential of biochar to
improve soil and crop health, long-term monitoring and optimization of application rates
are recommended for sustained benefits. In addition, understanding the commercial
viability of this approach is required, and the impacts this may have on the application
of chemical fertilisers to the pineapple plantations.

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SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE
AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF
MANANASI FIBRE

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SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF MANANASI FIBRE

The full socio-economic baseline and impact assessment of Mananasi Fibre's first year
of operations have been provided separately. Here, we summarise the key findings.
The report investigates the socio-economic impact of Mananasi Fibre's waste
management strategy on the local community and workforce, providing insights into
employment conditions, worker wellbeing, and the potential benefits of biochar for local
farmers. The research involved a survey of 61 workers and interviews with farm
management and three small-scale farmers who received biochar in exchange for
banana stems. Data collection occurred over five days, focusing on poverty levels,
working conditions, well-being, and the impact of biochar on farm productivity.

Results

• Employment Impact: The farm employs 69 full-time staff, providing important

income opportunities, especially for youth and women. Seventy-five per cent
of workers are aged 35 or younger and are therefore classified as youth.
Employment on the farm has provided important income-earning opportunities
for those who were previously unemployed without any income (31%), and
those who were previously underemployed (26%).

• Dependents: The average number of dependents – those the household head

is married to and/or supports financially, like children – per worker is three, and
the total number of people financially supported by those working on the farm
is 169.

• Wages: Most workers earn below the Living Wage benchmark but above the
national minimum wage, contributing significantly to household income. The
income earned from employment on Mananasi farm is very important for most
workers: 73% of workers stated that the income earned from their job
contributes 81-100% of their household income.

• Hunger: Most workers do not go hungry. There is a mixed picture in terms of

how hunger status has changed since workers started their jobs on the farm,
but a slight majority state that they are less hungry now than they were before
this job.

• Healthcare: More workers saw their ability to pay for healthcare improve or
remain stable than those who saw it worsen.

• Job Satisfaction: Most workers are satisfied with their jobs and would like
long-term employment.

Farmers Receiving Biochar

Three farmers received biochar, predicting benefits such as cost savings on fertilisers,
reduced labour costs, and improved soil stability and moisture retention. However, it is
too early to measure the actual yield improvements.

Potential impact

Mananasi Fibre provides significant socio-economic benefits by creating jobs and

reducing poverty. The project has the potential to enhance farm productivity and
sustainability through biochar application.

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SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF MANANASI FIBRE

As operations scale over time, a substantial increase in employment is anticipated. If

70% of the Del Monte plantation in Kenya were harvested, approximately 2,000 jobs
could be created, injecting over $3 million into the local economy. This would benefit
an additional 6,000 dependents and significantly boost the regional economy.
Table 4: Impact of Farm Harvest Based on Percentage Yields

Percent of Farm Harvested 5% 40% 70%

Total wage bill (excluding office) $199,561.00 $2,222,765.00 $3,885,850.00

Unskilled labour (wages) $171,000.00 $1,912,920.00 $3,342,480.00

Skilled labour (wages) $28,560.00 $309,840.00 $543,360.00

Total Jobs (excluding office) 92 1,177 2,056

Unskilled labour 80 1,056 1,844

Skilled labour 12 121 212

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DOCUMENT CONTRIBUTORS
Mananasi Fibre Limited was established on August 31, 2022, in partnership with The
Chequered Flag, with the intention of developing a sustainable waste management
strategy for pineapple plantations. Supported by funding from the Sustainable
Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Programme, the company began
its operations near Thika, Kenya, in July 2023, utilising pineapple plant waste
generated by the Del Monte plantation.

Mananasi Fibre Limited's project aims to demonstrate an environmentally, socially,

and financially viable strategy by converting waste into textile-grade fibres and soil-
enhancing biochar. This approach not only addresses the environmental issues
associated with open burning but also leverages the biomass for productive use. The
initiative intends to benefit the local community by providing a sustainable solution for
waste management while contributing to soil health and supporting the local economy.

Sustain East Africa

Sustain East Africa supports organisations, big and small, to use the latest social and
ecological science, knowledge, and tools, to solve sustainability challenges through
evidence-informed strategies.

Sustain East Africa has supported Mananasi Fibred Limited in developing this report.

Criou Energy

Criou Energy is a sustainable project development business based in Nairobi, Kenya.

They work with a variety of organisations in the sustainability sector by helping to bring
impactful projects to fruition.

Their team has several members across the sustainability and development space,
including business development, carbon credits, partnership development, project
management, stakeholder engagement, engineering, agronomy, sustainable crop
production, and product development.

RECOMMENDED CITATION
Sustain East Africa and Criou Energy (2024). Pineapple farming Waste Management:
A case study on Mananasi Fibre, Thika, Kenya. Prepared on behalf of The Chequered
Flag and Mananasi Fibre Ltd.

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SMEP is funded by UK International Development Finance and is implemented in partnership with
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), who provide Technical Assistance to the programme.