Vietnam Cocoa Waste Now Fuels Drying Process

Trong Duc Cocoa Company, Vietnam's second-largest cocoa producer, has ingeniously transformed its annual 5,000-ton fruit pod waste into a key component of its production process. The company now feeds this waste into a Torch Updraft Gasifier, operating at nearly 1,400°F.

This process converts the pods into biochar and a clean, usable gas. The gas is redirected to power the facility, specifically for drying subsequent batches of cocoa beans. This innovation significantly reduces drying times, especially during the humid rainy season, from an average of 15 days down to approximately 7 days.

Supported by the EU-funded SWITCH-Asia programme, this initiative not only tackles waste management but also boosts operational efficiency. It leads to reduced energy consumption, a lower risk of mould development in the beans, and an overall improvement in cocoa bean quality. The generated biochar also offers agricultural benefits, enhancing soil structure and moisture retention for future crops.

The project, a collaboration including Helvetas Vietnam, aims to encourage circular economy practices within the cocoa industry. Revenue generated from biochar sales can offset waste management costs, providing additional income streams and incentivizing other enterprises to adopt similar sustainable technologies.