Renewable alternatives: Coconuts enabling more sustainable manufacturing processes

Hear from our experts on why activated carbon is a more sustainable alternative to coal, how it qualifies as a premium alternative, and how it can be (easily) integrated into any process-driven market

Vimeo

By loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.
Learn more

Load video

Water is an essential resource to us globally. With growing concerns about water scarcity and the environmental impact of wastewater, industries are shifting their mindsets to look for more sustainable ways to improve manufacturing processes to better conserve and repurpose water. So, what sustainable alternatives are available? Keep reading to find out.

What is activated carbon, and why is it receiving so much attention? 

Activated carbon is used in all aspects of life, from potable water treatment to pharmaceuticals. It can be used to remove natural organic compounds, taste and odour compounds, and synthetic organic chemicals from water. It can come from coal and wood, but a more sustainable option available today is coconuts.

Activated carbon can be made from coconut shells, a renewable source, making it an effective sustainable solution for many markets, including water purification and filtration. Attention is increasing around activated carbon because it’s a more sustainable alternative to coal. 

Think about it this way: coal takes millions of years to develop and is a finite resource. But someday, we will run out of it. Many have turned to wood as a renewable alternative, but it still takes decades to come by. That’s why coconuts are considered a more sustainable alternative option on the market. They are a renewable source that can be replenished in 6 months and are zero-waste; every aspect of a coconut can be used, including the husk, shell, meat, and even the water inside.

Which properties of activated carbon make it a viable alternative to coal? 

Activated carbon has 50% more micro-pores on its surface than coal. This makes it an even more effective solution for water purification and filtration than its fossil-based alternative. Furthermore, it can be reactivated & reused multiple times. Whether using steam or acid, it can be thermally regenerated at a temperature of 500°F to 800°F.

How are markets responding to activated carbon?  

As with many sustainable alternatives, we see still a limited adoption today. This is partly due to a lack of education and awareness of this alternative and its benefits. Using activated carbon is a one-to-one swap and there is no additional formulation required to introduce it to the manufacturing process. But of course, as a sustainable solution, it has a higher cost than traditional fossil-based materials. That said, while there is a higher cost, the products are premium. For example, coming back to the micropores, the activated carbon made from coconuts has a more active adsorption site resulting in longer runtimes and more effective adsorption than any alternative on the market.

Which markets can benefit from activated carbon? 

Activated carbon is an alternative raw material that can be used by any market that is process-driven. That means, it can be used in processes such as filtration, chemical purification, colour removal, and odour removal in gases or fluids. That said, carbon is used in all aspects of our lives from our water filters to cabin air filters in our cars and can be used across many more than the traditional markets considered in process manufacturing. Often it is used as well in bottled water and soft drink facilities, sugar refineries, and pharmaceuticals. The list goes on.

IMCD Industrial Solutions | Sustainable Solutions Program

IMCD is committed to breaking down complex sustainability topics to support you at every step of your sustainability journey; whether you’re at the start or looking to optimize your current efforts. 

Click here to learn more about our Sustainable Solutions program and explore the sustainable materials we offer in your area. 

Featuring

  • Attila Hussar, Director of Filtration, North America, Industrial Solutions |IMCD
  • Dr. Fikri Alemdaroglu, Business Group Director, Industrial Solutions | IMCD

Source

IMCD Turkiye, press release, 2025-06.

Supplier

IMCD Group

Share

Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter

Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals

Subscribe