Farmers in Motiong, Samar Launch Eco-Charcoal Brand from Coconut Waste

Discarded coconut shells and bamboo in Motiong, Samar, are now being transformed into branded eco-charcoal products after local farmers learned that improved packaging and presentation could help them reach a wider market, according to a Philippine Information Agency report on May 14.

Calapi Irrigator Agrarian Reform Cooperative officially launched “C-Briqz,” an eco-charcoal brand supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Samar, during a Market Trends and Marketing Strategies Seminar in Barangay Calapi in March. The training introduced the 25 cooperative members to branding, packaging, labeling, pricing strategies, and market development. It was implemented under the DTI Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

The “C-Briqz” eco-charcoal product is made from coconut shells and bamboo. The materials are first converted into charcoal, then crushed into fine particles, mixed with cassava flour dissolved in hot water as a binder, and formed into briquettes. It is sold by the kilo or by the pack at around ?80 per kilo.  According to cooperative chairperson Joel A. Cabangbang, the C-Briqz burns for four to five hours and produces less smoke than traditional charcoal products. The group also promotes the product as part of a zero-waste, eco-friendly livelihood initiative.