Aproveitamento do resíduo na indústria de água de coco para a produção do pó e da fibra do coco verde

Abstract

A special attention has been given to minimize or reuse waste generated in the different industrial processes. Waste from industry and food trade involves considerable amounts of fruit peel, fruit kernel and other elements. These materials serve as a source of essential proteins, enzymes and oils and can be recovered and harnessed. In Brazil, the consumption of the green coconut, material that is discarded by industries and society, stands out. Being a tropical fruit whose water brings many benefits to human health, the consumption of this food has increased considerably in recent years. The residues generated from the coconut are generally mixed with household waste and are responsible for a large volume of urban waste, as the fruit peel of green coconut corresponds to about 85% of the fruit weight. The fruit peel is thrown directly into dumps and landfills and takes, on average, about 8 to 12 years to decompose, causing great environmental impact. As a solution to this problem, it is possible to recycle the green coconut residue through a new productive chain, serving as raw material in the production of the powder and fiber that generate other by-products, creating recycling structures and profit perspectives for entrepreneurs. This productive process reutilizes 34% of the weight of the residue, the rest being composed of liquids that will be discarded properly. The importance of the use of coconut residues as a solution to environmental, social and public health problems resulting from the final destination of these wastes is incorrect, as is the case in most of the country, causing, among other impacts, soil contamination , air and water.