How Biodegradable Coolers Are Made Out Of Coconut Waste | World Wide Waste | Business Insider

The Philippines is the second-largest producer of coconuts in the world. An estimated 9 billion husks are burned or left to rot here every year. Fortuna Cools makes coolers out of that waste, instead of the commonly used expanded polystyrene foam, often incorrectly called "styrofoam." We make more than 14 million tons of this hard-to-recycle plastic every year.
00:00 - Intro
00:44 - Coconut Harvest
01:42 - Processing Coconut Husks
03:38 - Helping Fishermen
05:05 - Mother Nature’s Insulation
05:38 - Plastic Foam Problems
07:50 - Nutshell Coolers
09:31 - Credits
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Can Coconuts Replace Plastic Foam Coolers? | World Wide Waste | Business Insider

[@ratdoto2148]

The main issue with substituting plastic with plant products is that plastic is extremely cheap, and so for single use products it's nearly unbeatable. These coolers however, while still disposable, last quite a while, quality is desired, and so the higher price is justifiable. These sort of higher longevity disposables are perfect for replacing plastic, it doesn't just feel like a gimmick, it actually makes sense.

[@OneHalfSaint]

plastic is extremely cheap when you don't account for any externalities* FTFY

[@ratdoto2148]

@@OneHalfSaint Most of the world does not have the luxury to worry.

[@thanhavictus]

Cheapness is such a moot point though. The only reason why it was cheap was because we put the full might of economies of scale behind plastic production. It would be the other way around if plastic was new invention. The only way to get biodegradable insulation cheaper is to keep using it like we did plastic decades ago and eventually it will supplant

[@ratdoto2148]

@@thanhavictus How is it a moot point? It is THE point, it is literally all that matters for most people. Plastic is cheaper, that is the state of things. What could or would have been currently means nothing to the majority of the world who does not have the luxury to be eco conscious. Also it's not even true that the reason it's cheaper is because it was developed. It's a huge part of it, but at the end of the day plastic is still very cheap even if both it and it's alternatives are sufficiently developed. But again, that doesn't matter to the consumer because that's not how it is.

[@Sharukurusu]

It shouldn’t be legal to not price externalities and plastic is a relatively new invention; plenty of wealth and technology was built before it became widespread. If a technology isn’t safe and sustainable we shouldn’t be using it.

[@willcookmakeup]

Whoa the microscope shot was crazy. The material structure of coconut core next to the Styrofoam was insanely similar. What a cool discovery

[@stephanieyee9784]

I was amazed at how similar the materials look under the microscope.

[@al6243]

Why aren't they saving and selling the coconut water you may wonder? 1. Look at the coconut meat 2:09. It's quite thick, meaning the coconut is an old/mature one. Coconut water from them are less sweet and sometimes a bit sour. Coconut water from younger coconuts are preferred. 2. Coconut water is a liquid foodstuff. It will require many different facilities, equipments, and methods to ensure it will be collected, processed stored, and packaged safely. That's a whole other different set of processes. Too much extra work and will require a lot of resources. They're still a small company. 3. They're in the Philippines. Coconuts are literally almost everywhere in that country. Coconut water is pretty common. Also there are already many other companies selling coconut water both in and outside the country. Unless their coconut water is particularly unique making them able to compete with several existing companies, combined with Reason #2, collecting and selling coconut water doesn't seem that profitable really. They have a product that they seem to be pioneers of, at least in that area, and since they're also a young small company, it is completely logical for them to put most of their focus and effort on it.

[@michaelmcandrews9474]

Excellent comment.

[@geshkigal]

this guy coconuts

[@mohd.mushahid1743]

Best analysis 👍

[@aberba]

You're looking at it wrong. Coconut water is used alongside others for processed product. It's got medicinal use so it's a perfect ingredient

[@al6243]

@@aberba Read my Reasons #2 and #3 again. If you still think otherwise, please do tell what are the processes, logistics, and resources required for it that makes it a worthy business to pursue.

[@daemenoth]

I have seen a lot of work being done making seaweed into various types of plastic replacements, I can't help but wonder if they have looked into seaweed polymers to replace the plastic part of their cooler to make it more biodegradable and eco friendly. It's also worth mentioning that seaweed cultivation is good for marine environments, doesn't need any irrigation or fertilizer and it's actually carbon negative.

[@itsallagame2013]

Less sustainable than coconuts

[@daemenoth]

@@itsallagame2013 That is preposterous, you don't even have to harvest the entire plant you can clip it back to harvest it and you can grow an entire crop off of harvested clippings. It is one of the most sustainable crops out there especially as it just grows in open water. I suggest maybe you look into it because you clearly are not speaking from a position of knowledge.

[@turkizno]

Considering that the 3 winners for the contest to replace one-time-use plastic bags are all companies using seaweed for the process, I hope it becomes true!

[@ratdoto2148]

They obviously have looked into it, they have surely looked into a lot. They still need to keep the cost down, they aren't targeting a wealthy eco minded market, they are targeting a developing nation who literally can't afford to spend more for the planet. These alternative polymers sound great, but they can be very expensive to produce. Their price will go down though as the science and manufacturing is better understood.

[@communistpoultry]

seaweed is not good polymers, it breaks down easily. It is just good for lightweight use.

[@nelsondog100]

Greetings from the Philippines! For myself, I would like to see this product available in large sheet form to use as insulation in the attic cavity for residential homes. Our home, like the majority of buildings here, stands in the direct path of intense heat of the sun. fiberglass is prohibitively expensive and forget about expanding polyurethane foam. Can coconut husk fiber be an ‘inexpensive’ solution?

[@cobblerama]

Probably very flammable so unsafe for housing. I'm sure they could add something to it to make it less flammable but then it increases the cost.

[@stevenlyons1288]

And or increase the carcinogen toxicity of it. Tradeoffs suck but they are in almost everything

[@MorningThief_]

Please don't. It's mentioned at the end that it's also used as kindling & a cheap substitute for charcoal. That's probably why it's best used as a container for wet commodities.

[@dmora2386]

Yeah as mentioned, sounds like a great way to light your house on fire. As intense as the heat gets there all it needs is a piece of broken glass to focus the sunlight and you've got yourself fire starter. Plus, given the humidity, it'll likely start biodegrading/rotting causing all slew of other problems.

[@martinmartin691]

When can u sell these in the cities in the Philippines?

[@albertopatrocinio6102]

I wish that more foriegn investors would to Philippines to this wonderful idias. Coconut hush maybe produce to napkins diapers and coco pellets use for fuel. It can be exported to Europe to fuel thier home heaters during.winter.

[@ArchangelExile]

Coconut is very versatile. I've even used coconut husk charcoal for BBQing. I got a huge bag for 75 cents a few years ago. I guess it was on sale due to summer ending. It was the best, cleanest burning, longest burning coal I've ever used. I never saw that product again, however. I have no idea why.

[@banshee1133]

Our charcoal here in ph is made from coconut. It's cheap and easy to find.

[@hopebamboo8371]

It is the coconut shell that is being turned into charcoal which has a high temperature index when burned

[@johndoh5182]

Yeah, I had to leave a comment saying husks aren't really burnt to get rid of them, they're burnt in a way to create charcoal for cooking because NO Filipino in their right mind would waste the opportunity to either make money or save money.

[@johndoh5182]

@@hopebamboo8371 Both are used, go search it.

[@johndoh5182]

@@hopebamboo8371 Here is the statement Coconut husk and shells can act as a good resource for fuel and charcoal. Coconut husk is mainly used for the production of charcoal. Activated carbon, which is produced from coconut shell is used in for eliminating the impurities present in waste water

[@EmilOsena]

I remember doing research on the coconut industry for my Thesis proposal years ago. The Philippine coconut industry still have a lot of problems to deal with. An example is the needed time for a regular coconut tree to mature and how long it has to bare fruit and the current issue where there's more old trees that are needed to replaced. We could switch to the shorter variant used by other countries but the coconut tree has a lot of uses here so it can possibly have a negative ripple effect in the coconut industry if it were to happen.

[@luigi55125]

Fun fact: Classic vw bug seats are stuffed with coconut fibers, and called horse hair. (No horses involved, just coconut)

[@khalifahjamaluddin]

I remember during 70’s and 80’s the coconut shred was used for furniture sponge even for automobile seats.

[@shreemz]

I had seen the jute fiber in the sofa we used to have.

[@bonnie6231]

What an amazing Earth, Living Beings Friendly idea!!! Awesome thinking gentlemen! I think every country needs to get on board using this. A Natural product that isn’t toxic to people, animals, fish,etc. The world needs to get using more safe products instead of products that are toxic. Keep up the healthy thinking men! God bless you!

[@multimillionaire0609]

Congratulations good job! Please spread it in the whole world!

[@u4yeah123]

If this can be used in house insulation there is bigger market for this, just have to figure out how to make it fire resistant.

[@gentlemaninthecomments.4661]

The Coconut Tree is a beautiful tree with uses for almost everything, not just the fruit. Coconut lumber can also be used for anything, especially in construction. Not to mention, the leaves can be used as wall dividers and wall accents. Some use their leaves as roofing in poorer areas. The dried leaves can also be made into biodegradable baskets, bags, bowls, plates, etc. They can also be made into hats, like straw hats.

[@ahoosifoou4211]

The coconut tree in my opinion is the miracle tree of the pacific nothing comes close. SO many uses from its roots to the trunk, fruit and leaves.

[@judithjamuy2723]

This innovative idea, among numerous others, offers valuable lessons. It provides the new generation with an opportunity to observe their surroundings, transform nature's waste into eco-friendly products, and generate a sustainable income.

[@D.DIYlife]

Wow! They are doing amazing work. Hopefully more solutions will proceed out of this invention across the globe.

[@davidallrood5302]

Wow, this is amazing.. I am from Ghana, and we also have coconuts, so this will also help us, and I would like to learn more.

[@jennifertakyi6226]

Hii. From Ghana too. Great idea. Which part of Ghana are you from.

[@tracyruth4247]

I'm surprised they're not saving the coconut water🤔

[@RandomGuy-nm6bm]

Probably just marketing in the West

[@lyndonwb.4857]

It's really surprising

[@sticustom]

I thought the same thing.

[@sasikanthmynampati158]

Ripened coconut water does not taste good

[@StarFleet_Tech1701]

Coconut water could be used as a substitute coolant.

[@ajiebooks]

The challenge is on how it will be used in logistics. It needs to be extra lightweight since weight is factored in when shipping, you can't use a shipping box that's heavy and only carries the same as the styrofoam. I hope they mentioned how light or how heavy it is. But I applaud the ingenuity

[@rubenearthling2974]

Bruh they waste the water wtf.

[@modash1231]

Also the cost of production. Styroam boxes are easily mass produced and the styrofoam itself is both the box and insulation. WIth this coconut fiber, you still need a box, a difficult to construct box with multiple layers to hold the insulation.

[@ajiebooks]

@@rubenearthling2974 water on brown coconuts are disgusting, no one drinks that in the Philippines. Brown coconut or the matured ones are only used for coconut meat production - for coconut oil and coconut milk. Green or the young coconut are used for coconut water, and coconut meat is soft and used in desserts or can be eaten as is.

[@annie-sc]

​@@rubenearthling2974there are a lot of reasons why they discard the water. For sure they ain't blind to not notice 😅

[@PhilippBlum]

This is really amazing. That's how it should be. Using more natural materials. Plastics aren't bad per se, but we really have to think about where we use them.

[@romeorosos1849]

can also use in charcoal too

[@SigiCoria-cd9vg]

Really interesting

[@samuelarellano7846]

That’s fantastic congratulations You will contribute to the new earth. We need people like you You have been bless by are divine creator 🌺🙏🙏

[@malexander2438]

These kinds of business initiatives are wonderful and the world needs more of this. We should be investing in these businesses to encourage good outcomes.

[@carriebradley7634]

This is fantastic. It's an actual affordable, natural solution. While there is no one simple answer for reducing our dependancy on plastics, particularly single use, this is a step in the right direction. It's staggering when you see the sheer amount we use and realize it all has to go somewhere. We are killing ourselves and our planet. We are smart enough to fix things, but will we be wise enough?

[@IMBAKid]

Dear owners of this project. Hope you could read this. Did you ever consider making a home grade insect-resistant insulator for homes and buildings?

[@raavila2245]

Cebu, the island where the company is based, is in the tropics where homes aren't lined with insulating material.

[@Epiphany_nz]

Actually, these tropical countries gets pretty hot, especially Malaysia. Thus, the demand for Palm leaves and straw roof. # Insulation is actually used under tin roofs in some constructions. I should also add that most problem with this is actually not about insects, it's rats, mice and bats

[@cobblerama]

Would have to be fire proof too. Or less flammable.

[@IMBAKid]

@@Epiphany_nz They can make it resistant. Can be encapsuled by any material to avoid pests.

[@IMBAKid]

@@cobblerama Famous roof insulators here are ones made from styro covered by a thin layer of aluminum like material. The styro I believe is flammable. With proper material add ons, these coconut husks can be fire proof.

[@erikliongoren]

I wonder if these innovation could also work in building insulation for winter countries (provided they could go thru a treatment for all the micro tropical pests thriving on those things). 😍😍😍

[@alik5883]

There's plant-base leather meterial, called haunji. It's made out of traditional Korean mulberry paper. It's light, durable and waterproof. I even have snickers made out of it! Also I know that there are other plant based lethers. I suppose one of these could be used with coconus insulation!

[@user-dg1ho4tj2g]

My bed here in Philippines is made of decorticated coconut husks indtesd of foam. It is moisture-resistant, durable, affordable.

[@banshee1133]

Now that I think about it, I've never had warm/hot coconut water even if the vendor has his produce out in the sun.

[@davidashcroft9942]

Fantastic! Excellent for the globe.

[@SkSafowan]

As always another great video but I just wanted to say I liked the old logo more then the new one

[@markmarcial6814]

How do they clean the container if water gets inside the husk compartment? or will they just replace the husk?

[@gaius_enceladus]

Great stuff! Looks like a really good product!

[@kennethgimpayan3418]

This is absolutely mindblowing!

[@truetool]

We've been using coconut coir during summer months for cooling by sprinkling them with water on the windows in India for centuries.

[@whittlingcowboy]

This is amazing. I hope that it expands to other islands through franchising or other means.

[@joytotheworld2100]

I use coconut coir in my garden in place of peat moss. Its a renewable resource as well.

[@turkizno]

It holds water so well, I actually HAD to replace it with a clay-based soil! The roots were starting to rot even with small waterings xD Probably beneficial for people living in drier conditions, or who forget about their plants or can't water them for longer periods though

[@StuffandThings_]

@@turkizno When used in potted plants, coco coir is unbeatable because while it holds water well it also keeps roots very well aerated. So its the ideal material for very finicky plants which like their roots consistently moist but also well aerated and never soaked.

[@dharmdevil]

@@turkizno you don't use it 100%. you add it to sandy soil for best result.

[@sadhumannell2769]

Orchid growers using husks with success.

[@macareuxmoine]

What a fantastic invention! I wish the founders all the luck in the world!

[@rogerscottcathey]

Can't wait to see a hemp liner with coconut insulation. Even cotton. I don't want plastics around me at all.

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Great idea !! Keep us posted !!

[@RealUlrichLeland]

If this is going to be used for fish it needs to be designed to be easily washable. Styrofoam containers are popular in fish markets because they're cheap enough to be disposable so they don't have to do the washing up. Fish mongers are likely to be reluctant to switch to this alternative if it adds too much complexity to their operation.

[@szurketaltos2693]

Should add the cost of proper Styrofoam disposal and damage to the environment to the cost of the foam boxes. That'll do a lot to promote alternatives.

[@CharlieC738]

This is a brilliant solution. I wish you well😊

[@agusmaulana2970]

Can be made for insulation for cold storage room walls, a substitute for PIU material which is not environmentally friendly

[@halffull66]

I would love to see more of this!

[@user-vu6ot1hv4l]

Wow thank you for a new way of producing product. I hope you have factory here in Baybay leyte

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Exciting I am praying for your support and success. God bless and keep you all. 💪🏽🙏💙🐝🐢

[@troymccullagh]

Wonderful! I hope that you are very successful and replace Styrofoam! Good job! Bravo!

[@shawnbrennan7526]

Looking forward to a version without so much plastic. So important to see projects like this that reduce waste, especially near the oceans.

[@hyacinthjarrett8637]

What an exciting project. Coolers are used almost everywhere. Who knows what the next invention this fruit has to offer if we look further.

[@saputramargam611]

Coconut husks and shells are the best things to make charcoal for cooking

[@rhondabarlow860]

I want one.....I like that it folds up.

[@CarrionAix]

I wonder what the acoustic properties of those panels are. Current acoustic panels are made of foam or rock wool, both of which are understandable for various reasons.

[@xavierroy5254]

Very good,what a great idea

[@drata8]

What about adding some natural flame resistant material to the husk to make it suitable for housing insulation!

[@rubysview9833]

It can also be used for house insulation, specially in the Philippines a hot and humid climate.

[@fikasionemale8414]

😊😊😊😊Love your work. 10 plus points

[@Bl00dMalice]

When I first heard their name Fortuna, I thought it was from the Latin word for Fortune. But it gave a good chuckle it was said to literally mean "For Tuna".

[@89NikhilS]

found a solution for your liner for your box coolers, biodegradable jute plastic from Bangladesh, I'm sure instead of clear bags they can make coloured ones

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Keep us posted on this firm !!

[@krishnakumark8329]

Very Nice

[@amigo8872]

ele tem que fazer outros produtos com esse tapete de coco , como revestimentos para paredes e telhados .

[@krissyscott4327]

I LOVE THIS!!!

[@gy2gy246]

This should be introduced in the US and Europe..

[@adityagupta4564]

amzing idea

[@rafaelunplugged]

Very cool. Mabuhay

[@moinshaikh2265]

Great. Lovely. 🔄

[@workstationmark4103]

Maybe coconut fibre for container housing insulation or small home insulation

[@tinalebron4385]

Can all this information be translate, there so many people's who don't speak English & are missing such very interesting information , this is so interesting for the teachers teach all this to the students & they can tell there parents & tray to help in the future, thanks for such interesting information God bless all who tried to do better for other people.

[@user-or2bw6hh8e]

Ive always been against styrofoam being dumped in garbage. the idea of another micro "similar" bio material being used for the same purpose is really exciting ..... I hope the idea catches on !!!!! great info vid

[@abdulhaque2182]

Very nice 👌

[@2thousand2channel]

good job hopefully it ph. government support this project

[@joeylegaspi3515]

"FORTUNA" name is pure genius!

[@NulwraithSecret]

They should use the jute plastic from the golden fiber episode for the container liner.

[@MiguelPerez-fz4ib]

Some parts of our use is Polluted as well our converts old converts!

[@davidhollenbeck9227]

Curious to see how fire proof it is and if it could be used as house insulation

[@DanielCrist]

It doesn't really burn, but it smolders. So you could have a whole wall that's good a bunch of glowing coconut husk slowly spreading until it reaches something that will produce a flame, at which point you are already a long way into having a fire without even knowing it. I'm sure there are chemicals or substances that could be mixed/sprayed into it too make it fire retardant, but then it's no longer biodegradable. However I think man-made home insulation isn't a big issue because it is sealed away and lasts for many decades. It's not finding it's way into the water and environment the way styrofoam is.

[@xXxSkyViperxXx]

i think coconut husks are traditionally used as roofing in some traditional huts in the philippines, if i remember correctly.

[@richearnoza9089]

Thank you!🇵🇭

[@CVM174]

In that way, they can also make plywoods with it with recycled woods.

[@sharingtherealworld]

Outstanding!

[@johnkarikas3346]

Inspiring !

[@yosoykibbles]

Amazingg!!!🎉🎉🎉

[@goodgrieflouiser5807]

Keep working on that totally biodegradable product. I like what you're doing. Nice to see young people working to save the environment instead of just protesting.

[@jchastain789]

I wonder if those air pockets are significantly decreased after the heat and pressure process. The material is awesome tho. I can see it in jackets and such as welll

[@bige8549]

Excellent!

[@gerhardpretorius9954]

Excellent.

[@MiguelPerez-fz4ib]

Both it is great!

[@jermymac8129]

Can be used a potting mix . Lots of uses! Can be used as a substitute for charcoal and fire wood

[@johndoh5182]

Part of that husk isn't burnt, or not burnt in the way it sounds here. They are burnt to make charcoal which is then used for cooking. They aren't just burnt for the sake of getting rid of them, or maybe in some places they are but I imagine most Filipinos care about making whatever money they can so it gets turned into charcoal.

[@blessedtraveler537]

It's the coconut shell that is burnt into charcoal.

[@kellyweddington1549]

Yeah they got to save the water it's so good

[@ZolaTaTa]

Amazing

[@dhangabbyalanis-pm2wb]

Great invention

[@barcodestudios4812]

Awesome 😀

[@georgeriegg289]

It's initiatives like these that need investment from the big climate boys - something that makes sense on every level and is easily replicated in many places.

[@der_municycler]

These Coconut fibres are very good stuff for terrariums or for growing epiphytic ferns. Way to precious to burn

[@Vyzard]

That David Cutler barely blinked during his interview, it's nuts

[@EdvanFerreiralima1992]

Ó planeta Agradece É EU também 🙏 Vamos Diminuir 🔅 excesso de Plástico Nó Mundo Essa ideia 💡 Salva Os Animais Marinhos

[@SunnyIlha]

This is such a good, imperatively important industry because the other kind of synthetic foam is extremely dangerous to the environment and hunan health.

[@veniceblair]

Thanks to those smart humans! Like they say ‘someone else’s trash it’s someone else’s treasure ‘ 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏✨✨✨✨✨✨ good for the planet n animals!!🎉

[@nae_petey_son]

Really great idea!

[@iashakezula]

I know coconut water spoil easily so hopefully there is another company who can process that, it’s a waste. Coconut plant tree are amazing. I grew up with 2 in our front yard. I really enjoy it growing up .We learned to open them even when they are young, drink the water and eat the white meat. That’s what I missed the most. If there is technology to repurpose the hust shell to become wood for housing instead of foam .