Toward sustainability in coconut processing: current challenges, emerging concepts, and circular solutions

Abstract

The global coconut industry plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide, predominantly in the Asia-Pacific region. Coconut is one of the most versatile and sustainable crops, as every part of it can be utilised for various purposes. There are many industries, apart from food and beverage, including cosmetics, healthcare, packaging, and many more, that rely on coconut as a raw material. Despite its potential, the coconut industry is associated with multiple challenges, such as high energy consumption, poor waste management, the use of outdated technologies, inefficient infrastructure, and the underutilization of by-products. Therefore, a holistic and collaborative approach is required to support and turn this vibrant industry into a sustainable one in the future. With this background, this review presents the current landscape of the coconut processing industry, identifies key technological challenges, and proposes sustainable strategies that will benefit the industry, its associated stakeholders, and the environment. Specifically, this article emphasises the role of resource efficiency, waste conversion, reduced chemical usage in industry, green substitutes, sustainable packaging solutions, social and economic responsiveness, and life-cycle analysis, which shifts these perspectives towards achieving and attaining the sustainable development goals. Additionally, this review underscores the need for stronger alignment between innovation and policy to help transform the current coconut-processing industry into a circular, low-carbon, and inclusive economy. Overall, the ideas presented aim to promote interventions that will create a resilient coconut supply chain for the future.