From Waste to Wealth: Sisal By-product Opportunities in Tanzania

Abstract

Sisal fibre production process in Tanzania is highly inefficient, utilizing only 2% of the plant leaving 98% waste including; damaged leaves, boles, roots, poles, decortication by-products and short fibres. These wastes contain valuable components like sugars, protein, volatile solids, carbon, and other organic matter, which can be repurposed into high-valuable products. This review examines the current state of sisal production and waste management in Tanzania, emphasising innovative strategies to transform sisal waste into valuable resources. While extensive research has identified potential products from sisal waste, such as acids, bioplastics, biofuels, or animal feed, commercialization efforts remain limited. The technical and economic barriers to commercialization include variability in waste quality and composition, as well as the initial costs of building the infrastructure and machinery needed to convert sisal waste into valuable products. It is essential to conduct comprehensive studies on the quantities and composition of sisal waste across Tanzania; the scalability of waste valorisation processes and marketing of the products from sisal waste. Such studies will enable informed decisions for specific policy changes, fostering industrial investments through collaboration between researchers, industry, and government. This will drive commercialization, unlocking its economic potential by creating new industries, job opportunities and reducing environmental impact.