PCA, Naturloop explore fiberboard venture

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and Swiss firm Naturloop AG are in talks to explore the construction of a medium-density fiberboard (MDF) production facility in the country.

The planned facility aims to optimize the use of coconut husks, the outer layer of a coconut containing strong fibers, which can be used in gardening, construction and various other applications.

“The meeting focused on the potential for local production to reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency,” the PCA said in a statement on Friday.

According to the PCA, succeeding discussions with Naturloop will focus on investment incentives, infrastructure support and the long-term feasibility of local production.

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

To explore funding options, the PCA has started discussions with private investors and government agencies including the Department of Agriculture’s Public-Private Partnership Unit and the Philippine Rural Development Program.

“Further meetings with stakeholders are expected in the coming months,” it said.

Naturloop is a Swiss green tech and materials science startup with headquarters in Biel, Berne.

It produces Cocoboard, an all-natural fiberboard made of coconut husks and natural tannin developed for use as a sustainable alternative to MDF.

Cocoboard is termite-resistant, formaldehyde-free and moisture-resistant, offering a cost-competitive alternative to traditional wood-based panels, the PCA noted.