Turning Waste into Wealth: Valorization of Cocoa Pod Husks in Colombia for a Sustainable Bioeconomy

In this project,will explore how to turn waste from cocoa production, specifically cocoa pod husks, into useful products. We will study different ways these husks can be used, such as turning them into a source of clean energy, a component for skincare products, or even as a supplement in animal feed. Our aim is to make the process of producing cocoa, a key ingredient in chocolate, more sustainable and beneficial for everyone involved, from farmers to consumers. We hope to find new ways to use these husks that can benefit the environment and also create new business opportunities. In particular, we will focus our research on cocoa production in Colombia, one of the world’s top cocoa-producing countries. The ultimate goal is to help reduce waste, improve the local economy, and contribute to a healthier planet.

Faculty Supervisor:

Heather Burke

Student:

Partner:

Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Life Sciences (not health); Environmental Science and Technology

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: