Dear Food Enthusiasts,

In a world striving for sustainability, even the food we might overlook has the potential to transform industries. Enter Dole Specialty Ingredients (DSI), a business unit of Dole Asia Holdings, which is pioneering the upcycling of “less than perfect” fruits like bananas, pineapples, and papayas into high-value ingredients for the health and wellness sectors—reaching as far as the fashion world. From nutritional powders to cosmetics and eco-textiles, DSI is ensuring no fruit is left behind.

FOODIE FIND
The Benefits of DSI’s Green Banana Powder

Green Banana Powder is naturally high in resistant starch, a prebiotic that supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be added to smoothies, baked goods, and more, offering both nutrition and flavor.

FEATURE ARTICLE
Upcycling Imperfect Fruit for Wellness and Fashion

DSI’s Innovative Approach to Fruit Waste Reduction and New Product Development

Fruit waste is a significant challenge in the global food industry, with the banana alone ranking among the most discarded produce. As much as 15-20% of harvested bananas are deemed unsuitable for supermarkets, often for minor reasons such as an extra “finger” on a bunch. Rather than let this nutritious produce go to waste, DSI has developed sustainable solutions to bring these fruits into new markets.

Transforming Green Bananas into Nutritional Superfoods

One of DSI’s flagship products is Green Banana Powder, created from green bananas that are “at risk” of being wasted. Green bananas, nutritionally dense at harvest, are rich in resistant starch, a prebiotic that promotes gut health and supports digestive well-being. As a B2B business unit under Dole Asia Holdings and headquartered in Singapore, DSI has perfected a process to convert these bananas into a shelf-stable powder that offers numerous health benefits, making it an ideal ingredient for the wellness industry.

But green banana powder is only the beginning. DSI’s other offerings include bromelain powder made from pineapple stems—a natural enzyme that supports digestion—and papaya seed oil, which has potential in skincare products like creams and scrubs. These products, derived from fruit byproducts, are just a few of the many initiatives DSI has developed as part of their zero-waste philosophy.

Exploring Sustainable Product Development for Global Impact

DSI’s dedication to zero fruit waste has been years in the making. Since their launch in 2023, the company has used Mindanao, Philippines, as their initial test production site, with plans to expand this model to Dole farms and processing facilities in Thailand and Sierra Leone. “We made some promises to our stakeholders,” says Hassan Jamil, Senior Business Development and Strategy Manager at DSI. “One was zero fruit waste, or no fruit left behind on our farms. DSI has been at the forefront of added-value strategies in our industrial and ingredient business, and one of the biggest streams in our operations comes from fresh fruit rejected at the farm level.”

With pineapple, banana, and papaya making up 80% of Dole’s supply chain, DSI focuses on these fruits’ “side streams,” which include seeds, peels, and pressed pulp. These byproducts are converted into wellness ingredients or used in other sectors, such as animal feed and plant-based textiles.

From Conveyor Belt to Catwalk: Fruit Waste in Fashion

DSI’s commitment to upcycling has gone beyond the wellness market, exploring the potential of fruit byproducts in sustainable fashion. Pineapple leaves, for example, can be turned into vegan leather or processed into fiber for textiles. “It’s a raw fiber you can process into yarn for different applications,” says Wei Tze Ooi, Managing Director of DSI. “For pineapple leaf fiber, we work very closely with cooperatives in The Philippines. Our current setup is very labor-intensive, but it creates additional economic opportunities as well.” This innovative use of pineapple leaves has not only supported job creation but has also introduced a new sustainable material option to the fashion industry.

DSI’s Impact on Local Communities and Small Farmers

In its first year, DSI’s initiatives have generated new jobs in The Philippines. While DSI currently upcycles fruit exclusively from its own farms, they hope to extend these practices to help small farmers upcycle their waste as well. DSI’s model demonstrates a holistic approach, combining environmental sustainability with community and economic impact.

An Eco-Forward Vision of Zero Fruit Waste

DSI’s ultimate vision is to achieve zero fruit waste across multiple sectors—from the wellness industry to fashion and beyond. By harnessing the potential of upcycled fruit, DSI is creating a future where no fruit is left behind, making strides towards a sustainable and circular economy.

DAILY BITES:
Why DSI’s Upcycled Ingredients Matter

• Green Banana Powder: Provides digestive benefits and can be used in various health and wellness products.

• Bromelain Powder: Derived from pineapple stems, offering protein-digesting enzymes ideal for health supplements.

• Papaya Seed Oil: A promising ingredient for natural cosmetics, with applications in creams, scrubs, and more.

MARKETING MUNCHIES
Strategies for Promoting Upcycled Products

• Educate Consumers: Share the story of how upcycled ingredients contribute to reducing food waste and supporting local communities.

• Highlight Health and Sustainability: Emphasize the health benefits and eco-friendly practices behind each product.

• Build Partnerships: Collaborate with brands and influencers in the wellness, fashion, and sustainability spaces to broaden reach