Westfalia Fruit transforms avocado waste into sustainable paper

The company is launching a proof of concept for paper made with 25-30% avocado waste, reducing the use of virgin wood fibers and the carbon footprint of its products.

Westfalia Fruit has developed an innovative paper that incorporates between 25% and 30% avocado waste, utilizing the properties of the fruit's cellulose and starch to strengthen the material and reduce reliance on virgin wood fibers. This advancement aims to minimize the environmental impact of paper and cardboard production, responding to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives in the packaging industry.

Johnathan Sutton, the group's sustainability director, highlighted the importance of this initiative, explaining that it is the result of extensive research and partnerships with companies like Bio-Power Technologies, focused on understanding the potential value of avocado skin and pit. "We're not talking about overnight breakthroughs. We're working to maximize resource utilization and demonstrate that we can go a long way," Sutton commented.

Most avocado waste is typically used in low-value applications, but Westfalia Fruit's approach elevates these byproducts to high-value uses in sustainable packaging. This paper, in addition to strengthening the material, offers an eco-friendly alternative that aims to reduce the sector's carbon footprint, providing a packaging solution aligned with sustainability goals.

Source: diariofruticola.cl