Swiss firm to explore coco fiberboard plant in Phl

A Switzerland-based company has engaged in discussions with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to explore the possibility of establishing a manufacturing plant for coconut husk-based medium-density fiberboard (MDF) in the country.

Swiss firm Naturloop AG, known for producing cocoboard, a 100% bio-based MDF made from coconut husks, is considering local production to streamline costs and enhance supply chain efficiency. 

The Philippines, being a major coconut producer, presents an ideal location for such a venture.

PCA Administrator and CEO Dexter R. Buted recently met with Naturloop CEO Daniel Dinizo to assess the project’s feasibility. The company currently sources husks from the Philippines and collaborates with local cooperatives and businesses to ensure a steady supply.

Cocoboard is being promoted as a cost-competitive alternative to traditional wood-based panels, offering benefits such as termite resistance, moisture resistance, and the absence of formaldehyde.

“With the Philippines requiring an estimated 800,000 cubic meters of board panels annually, and local production only meeting 150,000 cubic meters, the market opportunity is substantial,” the PCA noted.

Naturloop has been working on strengthening the husk supply chain in the Philippines since a 2020 study in Quezon province. However, previous efforts to establish a shared processing facility faced logistical challenges. Despite this, the company remains committed to working with local partners, including Prosource Manufacturing Inc. and the Quezon Federation and Union of Cooperatives.

“As global demand for sustainable building materials increases, the said manufacturing plant could offer significant economic, employment, and environmental benefits,” the PCA emphasized.

The agency plans to continue discussions with Naturloop on investment incentives, infrastructure support, and the long-term feasibility of setting up the plant. Meetings with key stakeholders are also expected in the coming months.

The PCA has long supported initiatives that add value to the coconut industry, including featuring the cocoboard project at its 2021 Coconut Investment Forum. 

It has also facilitated discussions between private investors and government agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture’s Public-Private Partnership Unit and the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), to explore possible funding opportunities.