What if tomorrow’s homes were built not with cement or plastics, but with the by-products of farming? At INTI International University, researchers are exploring the potential of sago residue—the fibrous waste left after starch is extracted from the sago palm—as a resource for sustainable construction materials.
Prof. Dr. Tezara Cionita of INTI International University’s Faculty of Engineering & Quantity Surveying, who led the review on the use of sago residue in sustainable construction.
Across Southeast Asia, sago starch is a vital ingredient in many traditional foods, from kuih to noodles. However, for every tonne of starch produced, large amounts of residue remain. Much of this is disposed of in landfills or burned, practices that pose disposal problems, emit harmful gases, and contribute little to the economy. Nonetheless, this so-called waste is naturally rich in fibres and biodegradable particles, making it a promising base for creating products that are both practical and sustainable.
This potential was the focus of a recent review led by Prof. Dr. Tezara Cionita from INTI’s Faculty of Engineering & Quantity Surveying. “Sago residue is being explored as an alternative material in construction because of its natural source, good performance, eco-friendly nature, and biodegradable properties,” the study noted. With the correct processing, the residue could be turned into boards, panels, or composite fillers that compete with conventional building materials.
Treatment methods are key to unlocking this potential. Traditional techniques such as drying, grinding, and fermentation can be used, while more advanced chemical and enzymatic treatments allow for precise control of strength, durability, and flexibility. Each method changes the material’s properties, enabling it to be customised for specific uses—ranging from insulation boards that manage heat in tropical climates to acoustic panels that reduce noise in urban environments.
The sustainability benefits are considerable. Repurposing a low-value waste stream reduces landfill use, prevents open burning, and lowers reliance on high-emission materials such as cement. It also promotes circular economy principles, where discarded materials are reused productively. As Prof. Tezara emphasised, “We need to ensure the material performs as well as, or better than,, conventional options. Safety and reliability remain paramount in construction.”
Sago residue, a by-product of starch extraction, is being studied as an eco-friendly alternative in construction due to its strength, natural fibres, and biodegradable qualities.
Much work remains before sago residue can be widely used in industry. Researchers need to test how different particle sizes, fibre orientations, and chemical compositions influence performance. They are also investigating properties such as heat resistance, sound absorption, and wear behaviour, which could lead to new applications beyond housing—in schools, community centres, or even commercial buildings.
The promise of this research also reaches communities. In sago-producing areas, particularly rural parts of Southeast Asia, the residue can support small-scale industries. Farmers and local entrepreneurs might supply raw materials, process fibres, or produce eco-friendly products. This creates economic opportunities in regions where livelihoods often depend on a single crop, while also reducing waste and enhancing environmental outcomes.
Turning sago residue into construction materials reduces landfill, prevents open burning, and lessens dependence on high-emission products such as cement.
For policymakers, developers, and innovators, INTI’s work highlights a timely opportunity: to reimagine construction with materials that lessen harm to the planet while delivering value to society. It signifies a shift in mindset, one that regards waste not as a liability but as an underused resource.
As Prof. Tezara reflected, “This is more than recycling, but also about rethinking resources to build a sustainable future.” From residue to renewal, the study demonstrates how innovation at INTI can motivate industries to find solutions in overlooked materials, creating a future where homes and buildings serve as proof of both ingenuity and responsibility.