Helvetas Vietnam and AirX Carbon are leading a pioneering initiative to transform cocoa husks into bioplastic materials, reducing agricultural waste and plastic pollution. The project, funded by the European Union, aims to promote circular economy practices in Vietnam’s agri-food sector. The bioplastics, known as Cocoa-PP and Cocoa-PLA, are engineered to serve different markets and offer strong tensile strength and biodegradability. The production process involves blending cocoa husk powder with polypropylene or polylactic acid to form bioplastic granules. The bioplastics have been commercially viable, with trials yielding up to 95-97% of raw materials. The project has also developed biodegradable pallets made from cocoa shells, offering a sustainable alternative to wood. The collaboration aims to reduce agricultural and plastic waste while creating new economic opportunities for farmers. The initiative presents a strong model for sustainable development, promoting eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and reducing pollution.
Vietnam company develops innovative bioplastics from cocoa waste, reducing environmental footprint.
