What it does
In order to solve the environmental concern of disposing hard-to-biodegradable coconut waste, the project designed a sustainable circular economy system for a small-scale coconut drink business, aiming to turn coconut waste into customisable product.
Your inspiration
Everything started with a small business that I developed called LELENÜT. It is a coconut specialty food stall. After 6 months of operation, I started critically thinking about the coconut wastes that I throw into the bins, and I found out that coconut waste can cause a future sustainable problem. According to research, 63.5% of the component in coconut waste is consists of lignocelluloses that takes more than 5 years to be biodegraded. So, I started imagining a future flagship store of LELENÜT that coconut wastes can be generated into 3D filament, and then be turned into an aesthetic and customisable product. And finally designed this.
How it works
The design works by implementing a circular flow system for coconut waste. First, the process involves collecting coconut waste from the shop and undergoing a series of treatments, including washing, drying, dehydrating, and grinding. These steps convert the waste into fine coconut powder. Next, the powder is mixed with PLA, a biodegradable material, to create 3D printing filament. This filament can be used to print customisable products, such as cups, inspired by various shapes. The final printed products are sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the design incorporates a production line in the speculative store, enabling mass manufacturing of the coconut waste filament. Overall, the technology utilises the principles of circular economy and additive manufacturing to transform waste into valuable and eco-friendly products.
Design process
The design process begins with analysing the current flow of coconuts and developing a circular flow concept, represented by the Coconut Journey Map. The next step involves collecting coconut waste from the shop and conducting experiments to dehydrate the waste. Various treatments, including washing, drying, oven-dehydrating, smashing, grinding, and sifting, are applied to create fine coconut waste powder. This powder is then mixed with PLA to create a 100% biodegradable DIY 3D printing filament. After overcoming initial challenges, a successful filament is produced. The design then progresses to creating customisable printed products, with a focus on developing a set of four cups inspired by basic shapes. Detailed drawings and CAD modelling are used to design the cups, and coconut filament is utilised for printing. The final outcome exceeds expectations. Lastly, based on all the previous developments, a production line is designed and 3D modelled to facilitate mass manufacturing in the speculative store.
How it is different
What sets this design apart is its focus on transforming coconut waste into reusable materials and creating customisable products within a circular economy system. The unique aspect lies in the combination of innovative techniques, such as 3D filament fabrication from dehydrated coconut waste and the production of aesthetic, sustainable products. This design also emphasises the visual representation of the circular economy system within the flagship store, serving as a decorative element that raises awareness and educates customers. Furthermore, the design showcases the potential for scalability and applicability in the food and beverage industry. By addressing the growing issue of coconut waste generated by businesses like LELENÜT, it offers a practical solution to reduce environmental impact and foster a more sustainable approach to waste management.
Future plans
The next steps for LELENÜT's circular economy system design involve refining the production process, optimising material quality, and scaling up operations. The goal is to establish a pilot-scale production line within the flagship store, generating coconut waste filament for sustainable products. Collaboration with artisans and designers will expand the product line. The project aims to inspire other businesses to adopt circular economy practices, positioning LELENÜT as a leader in sustainability.
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