Let’s Use Everything

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Let’s Use Everything

Solar dehydrator food waste innovation

Welcome to Tharaka Invention Academy, where our innovations turn local resources into global solutions. Therefore, while not all processes for making mango leather are patented, certain innovative methods are protected to safeguard the intellectual property of the developers. Today, we’re highlighting the TIA 3500 solar dehydrator, a cornerstone of our efforts to reduce food waste and create sustainable economic opportunities. Joining me is Miriam Muthoni, Director of the Tharaka Invention Circle.

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how this is done:

1. Collection and Preparation
Sourcing Waste: Mango peels are collected from processing plants or juice manufacturers.
Cleaning: The peels are thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, residues, and contaminants.
Drying: They are air-dried or oven-dried to reduce moisture content, which is essential for the next steps.
2. Pulping and Processing
Grinding: The dried peels are ground into a fine paste or powder to create a consistent base material.
Blending: Natural binders such as starch, cellulose, or other plant-based polymers are added. This helps to enhance flexibility and create a homogenous mixture.
Enzymatic Treatment: Natural enzymes are used to soften the material and enhance its pliability.
3. Forming the Material
Spreading the Mixture: The processed paste is spread onto flat molds or surfaces to form thin, uniform sheets.
Reinforcing Fibers: Optional reinforcement materials like hemp, jute, or recycled fabric can be added for increased strength and durability.
4. Drying and Curing
Controlled Drying: The sheets are dried under controlled conditions to remove excess moisture and solidify the material.
Heat Pressing: A heat press can be used to improve the texture and density of the material.
5. Finishing
Surface Treatment: The material is coated with natural oils, waxes, or eco-friendly finishes to enhance water resistance and durability.
Coloring: Dyes or pigments are applied to achieve the desired color.
Embossing: Patterns or textures can be embossed to mimic the look of traditional leather.
6. Cutting and Sewing
The finished sheets of mango leather are cut into the desired shapes and sewn to create various products like wallets, handbags, shoes, or upholstery.
Advantages of Mango Leather
Eco-Friendly: Utilizes agricultural waste, reducing environmental pollution.
Cruelty-Free: No animal products involved.
Sustainable: Requires less water and fewer chemicals compared to traditional leather production.
Versatile: Can be customized for a variety of uses.

The collected mango skins typically have some residual pulp attached, especially if they come from processing plants where the fruit is peeled and juiced. This pulp is an asset in the production process for several reasons:

Additional Fibers and Sugars:
The leftover pulp contains natural fibers, cellulose, and sugars, which can enhance the binding and structural properties of the final material.

Ease of Processing:
The pulp can be blended along with the skin during the grinding phase to create a uniform paste, reducing the need for separate removal processes.

Enzymatic Softening:
Residual pulp may aid in the enzymatic treatment step, as the sugars in the pulp can support microbial or enzymatic activity, making the material softer and more pliable.

Reduced Waste:
Including the pulp minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency, aligning with the sustainability goals of mango leather production.
Mango leather represents a significant step forward in sustainable materials, blending innovation with environmental consciousness. This process showcases how agricultural waste can be transformed into high-value, eco-friendly products.

Video: TIA 3500 Solar Dehydrator

As a special bonus, we are offering one of Prof. Singer’s books “Journey from Ideas to Impact Using 97 Different AI Tools” for free! It is packed with valuable and interesting facts about how you can use the POWER of artificial intelligence to accelerate your journey to becoming a world-class problem solver, innovator, and inventor. Visit HERE to get your free copy so that you can remain relevant, valuable, and far ahead of your competition.

Be sure to visit “Tharaka Invention Academy” where you can learn about how anybody can acquire the mindset, skills, and knowledge needed by all problem solvers, innovators, and inventors. The post entitled “Global Innovators: 101 Careers Transformed by Invention Skills” contains links to many more similar stories about these people worldwide.

Questions?? Contact me any time at profsinger@inventionschool.tech
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Mechanical/Solar Engineer, Prof. Oku Singer

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