Cocoa Paper Cocoa Paper
Bio-degradable paper made out of discarded shells of cocoa beans
Properties Properties
compostable : cacao shells easily break down completely over time and do not harm the environment
biodegradable : cacao shells are capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms and thereby prevent pollution
recyclable : cacao paper can be used to make a wide number of products like muffin liners, stationery paper (envelopes, letterheads, etc.), toiletries, confectionery packaging, etc.
Circular Economy : reuses the 'waste' generated from making chocolate and provides sustainable packaging for the same product
The Idea The Idea
Cacao shells constitute 12% of the cacao fruit, and are thrown away as waste every year.
James Cropper, a British Paper Manufacturer, came up with an innovation which could reuse the 3.5 million tonnes of cacao beans produced each year, by turning them into paper through a similar paper-making process but using the fibers of the cacao shell husks instead of tree pulp.
This paper doesn't need artificial dyes either as it can naturally be produced in a light brown, dark brown or speckled texture, by adjusting the amount of unbleached cellulose fibers from crops in the mixture.
The raw materials are easy to procure and the making is simple and provides an opportunity for employment to skilled paper makers as it is largely made by hand.
Usage Usage
Currently cacao paper is used to make things like:
Ecopack
packaging and moulds for confectionery products
packaging for toiletries
Stationery items
Clairefontaine paper bags and gifting boxes
Baskin Robbins Baskin Robbins
BR can make use of this technique to gain the following benefits:
The paper bags will be:
Durable : They are resistant to wear and tear, and depending on the the thickness of the paper can hold increasingly heavier loads.
Easy to carry : The material itself is light and doesn't crush easily, so it will retain its shape longer.
Oil Absorbent: If greasy edibles are kept inside, the oil will get absorbed into the paper. Alternatively, if something spills on the outside of the bag, it won't immediately ruin the contents on the inside.
Aesthetically Pleasing : They come in a naturally beige/brown color which removes the use for artificial dyes.
People have also reported being more inclined to buy products in sustainable paper packaging which reminds them of earthy tones over plastic packaging.
What BR does:
Minimizes the waste produced in the chocolate-making process
Reduces the financial assets spent on acquiring external packaging materials
Maintains its positive social image regarding its eco-friendliness
BR Paper Bag BR Paper Bag
