The utilization of sago waste: Prospect and challenges

Abstract

The utilization of sago waste has been the subject of research which has studied aspects of sago bark, including sago wastewater effluent and fibre waste. This paper presents a review of the types of waste generated from sago processing plants, prospects and challenges of its utilization based on prior studies. During sago starch extraction, a large amount of sago tree bark would be separated, and wastewater mixed with fibre waste would be discharged daily. Therefore, it is important to train sago farmers and mill owners to manage and utilize waste. The development of sustainable management of sago requires support from all relevant stakeholders. Waste utilization should be promoted and the added value to be explained to the stakeholders to gain their interest and willingness to participate in waste processing plants. Sago waste management is recommended to focus on: (1) efforts to increase the yield and efficiency to reduce waste (2) improvement of the processing layout and mechanism to facilitate its utilization; (3) selection of appropriate drying methods to reduce the volume of liquid waste and facilitate further storage and processing; (4) the implementation of appropriate technology that can provide additional income to farmers and smallholder sago refineries.