TLDR: Philippine company turns coconut husks into eco-friendly coolers, combating plastic waste and aiding coconut farmers.
This article is a summary of a You Tube video “Can Coconuts Replace Plastic Foam Coolers? | World Wide Waste | Business Insider” by Business Insider
Key Takeaways:
- Coconut Waste Utilization: In the Philippines, a company transforms coconut husks, a byproduct of coconut oil production, into biodegradable insulation for coolers.
- Environmental Impact: Traditional plastic foam coolers are hard to recycle and often end up polluting waterways. Coconut husk-based coolers offer a sustainable alternative.
- Economic Opportunity for Farmers: The initiative provides additional income to coconut farmers who previously discarded or burned the husks.
- Innovative Processing: The husks undergo a series of processes, including drying, decorticating, and a hydraulic press, to create insulation panels.
- Efficiency of Coconut Insulation: The natural structure of coconut fibers provides effective insulation, similar to polystyrene foam.
- Origins of the Idea: The project initially aimed to help fishermen keep their catch fresh, but evolved into a broader mission to reduce plastic waste.
- Microplastic Pollution: Polystyrene foam breaks down into microplastics, posing risks to marine life and potentially to humans through the food chain.
- Global Use of Polystyrene Foam: Foam coolers are extensively used worldwide, particularly in the seafood industry, contributing to significant environmental pollution.
- Expansion of the Product Line: The company has diversified from large coolers for fishermen to consumer-friendly products, including a collapsible cooler made with recycled materials.
- Future Goals and Challenges: Fortuna cools aims to make the product completely biodegradable and increase support for coconut farmers, while exploring more sustainable liner options.
