| Project Name: | Characterisation of Harakeke Resource Streams after Fibre Extraction |
|---|---|
| BPA Number: | BPA24324 |
| Funding Round: | October 2024 |
| Report(s): | • Initial TEA report MS1.3 • Lipidomics analysis of harakeke wax (para) MS 2.4 • Report on epicuticle wax mechanical properties determined by DMTA MS2.4 • Harakeke waste steam project (MU) MS3.5 • Final report incl. update on TEA MSs 4.1 4.2 |
| For enquiries contact: | Peter Brorens |
| Phone: | +6433218764 |
| Email: | peter.brorens@agresearch.co.nz |
Summary of Project and Key Findings:
Muka Textiles Limited’s (MTL) innovative fibre extraction process from Harakeke (Phormium tenax) leaves, yields high quality Muka but also a high proportion of byproduct. This study evaluated three byproduct streams: leaf butts and trimmings, green strippings, and para (epidermal waxy layer) with the leaf butts and green strippings being evaluated with sheep as a potential animal feed, and the para layer being evaluated as a source of lipid and waxy material.
Lipidomic analysis of para via LCMS identified 19 lipid classes, with a profile quite distinct from our reference of Carnauba wax. Solvent extraction yielded relatively low levels of wax from para, and mechanically the wax exhibited lower storage modulus and glass transition temperature than Carnauba wax, with elastic behaviour until melting. The lipid profile suggested applications in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.
Nutritional assessment of green strippings and discarded leaves showed moderate metabolizable energy (ME), high neutral detergent fibre, and low crude protein, akin to summer-dry pasture. Sheep palatability trials indicated good acceptance, especially for sugar-rich butts, with faster consumption of fresh material. Ensiling finely chopped samples produced silage with comparable ME to tropical grass silages.
Techno-economic analysis highlighted labour as the dominant cost, recommending process acceleration through tools or automation. In the short-term fibre extraction optimization offers greater gains than by-product exploitation. Recommendations include prioritizing labour and machine processing efficiency, exploring higher-value extracts from green streams, such as fibre for papermaking and the Pia Harakeke. Para is a small fraction of the total plant material but is produced by default and has an attractive lipid profile, well suited to a skin care product. The challenge will be to find an economical and acceptable extraction process.
TRL at start of project = 0
TRL at end of project = 1-2
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