Turning Kale Waste into Valuable Health and Beauty Products

Date:16 Aug 2023

Country: Singapore

Application

• Personal care products: Extracted compounds can be used in cosmetics, such as face scrubs, shampoos, and lotions.
• Health supplements: The bioactive compounds are suitable for use in nutritional supplements and herbal extracts.

Description

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) developed a sustainable method to convert kale waste into valuable bioactive compounds for health and personal care products. Using non-toxic, plant-based solvents called NADES, they extracted polyphenols, carotenoids, and chlorophylls without heat, preserving their potency. This energy-efficient process reduces food waste, lowers emissions, and offers a cost-effective solution for the industry. The technique is also scalable and adaptable for other vegetable and fruit wastes.

Pathway Description:

The process involves blending kale waste into a paste or powder and mixing it with a specially formulated, non-toxic natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) at room temperature. The mixture is stirred mechanically, allowing the bioactive compounds to separate into layers. These compounds, such as polyphenols and carotenoids, are then extracted through filtration. This low-energy, heat-free method preserves the potency of the compounds and yields a stable, high-quality extract.