In a groundbreaking study published in *Nature Environment and Pollution Technology* (translated as *Nature Environment and Pollution Technology*), researchers Budy Rahmat, Iqbal Akmalludin, and Tedi Hartoyo have demonstrated a novel approach to coconut processing that could revolutionize the energy and agricultural sectors. Their work, focused on implementing a circular economy model in the production of white copra, not only achieves zero-waste but also unlocks new commercial opportunities.
The study, conducted as a laboratory experiment, reveals that every tall variety coconut can yield 489 grams of coconut meat and 232 grams of shell. The shell, often discarded, is pyrolyzed to produce liquid smoke, charcoal, and tar. “From one coconut, we can produce 91.13 grams of liquid smoke and 82.15 grams of charcoal briquettes, alongside 26.67 grams of white copra,” explains lead author Budy Rahmat. This innovative process ensures that no part of the coconut goes to waste, creating a sustainable and profitable production cycle.
The liquid smoke derived from the coconut shell serves as a preservative for the copra, replacing traditional sulfur fumigation methods. The charcoal, mixed with tapioca and water, forms briquettes that meet Indonesian and Japanese standards for water content, volatile matter, ash, fixed carbon, specific gravity, compressive strength, and calorific value. “The charcoal briquettes formed are of high quality and can be used for pyrolysis heating,” adds Rahmat.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Charcoal briquettes, a renewable energy source, can replace fossil fuels in various applications, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability. The study’s findings open doors for further research and financial studies in the coconut processing industry, including coconut oil, desiccated coconut, brown sugar, and virgin coconut oil production.
This research not only provides a blueprint for a zero-waste coconut processing system but also highlights the potential for financial profitability and sustainability in the agricultural and energy sectors. As the world moves towards a circular economy, studies like this pave the way for innovative and eco-friendly solutions that benefit both industries and the environment.