Philippine Desiccated Coconut Manufacturer Integrates Climate Action in Operations

Axelum Resources Corp., among the Philippines’ biggest desiccated coconut manufacturers said on October 11 it has made significant inroads towards climate change resiliency by making its operations more efficient.  The company said it managed to reduce last year its direct greenhouse gas emissions by up to 19 percent from manufacturing operations mainly driven by efficient diesel consumption.

Axelum said it was able to recycle up to 20 percent of wastewater for other uses including ground watering and sanitation of production areas.  The company recently upgraded its state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant to ensure compliance with international effluent standards.  In terms of waste management, Axelum utilized more than 44,000 MT of coconut shells as feedstock to fuel industrial boilers that generate culinary-grade steam.

The company also repurposed about 71 percent of used Tetra packaging materials into 2,183 pieces of regular-size chipboards, which served as alternative plywood and table dividers, to observe proper physical distancing within plant premises.  To date, Axelum is exploring additional renewable energy resources for its Medina plant, to support peak operating hours and limit dependence on traditional power.