An Integrated Framework for Zero-Waste Processing and Carbon Footprint Estimation in ‘Phulae’ Pineapple Systems

This study proposes an integrated framework for sustainable tropical agriculture by com-

bining biochemical waste valorization with spatial carbon footprint estimation in ‘Phulae’

pineapple production. Peel and eye residues from fresh-cut processing were enzymatically

converted into rare sugar, achieving average conversion efficiencies of 35.28% for peel and

37.51% for eyes, with a benefit–cost ratio of 1.56 and an estimated unit cost of USD 0.17

per gram. A complementary zero-waste pathway produced functional gummy products

using vinegar fermented from pineapple eye waste, with the preferred formulation scor-

ing a mean of 4.32 out of 5 on a sensory scale with 158 untrained panelists. For spatial

carbon modeling, the Bare Land Referenced Algorithm (BRAH) and Otsu thresholding

were applied to multi-temporal Sentinel-2 and THEOS imagery to estimate plantation age,

which strongly correlated with field-measured emissions (r = 0.996). This enabled scalable

mapping of plot-level greenhouse gas emissions, yielding an average footprint of 0.2304 kg

CO2 eq. per kilogram of fresh pineapple at the plantation gate. Together, these innovations

form a replicable model that aligns tropical fruit supply chains with circular economy

goals and carbon-related trade standards. The framework supports waste traceability,

resource efficiency, and climate accountability using accessible, data-driven tools suitable

for smallholder contexts. By demonstrating practical value addition and spatially explicit

carbon monitoring, this study shows how integrated circular and geospatial strategies can

advance sustainability and market competitiveness for the ‘Phulae’ pineapple industry and

similar perennial crop systems