Name of Participant: Mr. Mohd Fadzhel Bin Mohd Nasir
Name of Presenter: Ts Mohd Fadzhel Bin Mohd Nasir
Address: FBKT, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA KELANTAN, KELANTAN, Malaysia
Job: Student
Participant ID : BT 003
Mode of Presenter (Requested): Oral Presenter
Scope/Category: Bioindustrial Technology
Attendance Mode: Online
Mode of Presenter (Given) : Oral Presenter
Paper Title:
Innovative Bio-Retting of Kenaf Bast Fiber Using Enzyme Combinations: The Kenaf-Biozyme Integrated Processing System.  
Abstract :

M.Fadzhel M. Nasir,1, a,*, Mardawani.M,2,b and A.Firdaus M.Nasir,3,c  

1National Kenaf and Tobacco Board, Malaysia
2University Malaysia Kelantan, Malaysia
3National Kenaf and Tobacco Board, Malaysia.

afadzhel@lktn.gov.my, bmardawani.m@umk.edu.my, cfirdaus@lktn.gov.my

Abstract. Kenaf is a short-term crop that can be harvested within 3 to 4 months, making it suitable for various applications, including heat insulation, bio composites, soundproofing, construction, automotive components, and aircraft interiors. The kenaf bio enzyme (K-Biozyme) system significantly reduces the processing time of kenaf bast fiber from 21 days to just 24 hours, fully utilizing all parts of the plant, including waste, while adhering to green technology principles. This innovative method produces high-quality fiber and optimizes parameters in kenaf bio-retting production.In 2023, sales of kenaf products increased by 110% to RM 8.88 million compared to 2021, reflecting growing interest in this crop, particularly in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang, which collectively have the second-largest kenaf plantation at 860 hectares. Despite this growth, the industry faces challenges, including lengthy retting processes and a lack of commercial processing systems.To address these issues, K-Biozyme introduces an integrated design for kenaf processing that employs enzymatic retting, reducing water usage from a conventional 1:10 ratio to a more sustainable 1:2. The system also features a wastewater recovery component that extracts valuable compounds, such as lignin, for potential use in the biopolymer and pharmaceutical industries.The K-Biozyme system facilitates in-situ processing, enabling farmers to process kenaf immediately after harvesting, thereby reducing logistics costs and enhancing productivity. This presentation discusses the efficacy and advantages of the K-Biozyme system in transforming the kenaf processing landscape.

Keywords: enzyme combination, enzymatic retting, bio-retting, chemical degumming, premium fiber, wastewater treatment, kenaf lignin

Biography :
I am a semi-government officer working for the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (NKTB) for almost 24 years. My background is in kenaf crop management, bioprocessing, and strategic planning and policy. I have a strong interest in the natural fiber and biomass industry, cellulose, animal feed, and enzyme bioprocessing. I have 3 years of experience in kenaf upstream bioprocessing for premium fibers, nonwoven, and woven products.