Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational in the supply of avocados and other fruits, have developed a proof of concept of Paper made from 25-30% avocado waste, as proof of their efforts to minimize waste and maximize the use of resources.
Westfalia Fruit's avocado paper takes advantage of the rich cellulose and starch content of avocado waste. This process not only strengthens the paper, but also reduces the need for virgin wood fibres, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.
"It has been a pleasure to take part in this exciting journey," he says. Johnathan Sutton, “We are not talking about overnight progress. It is the result of extensive research, experimentation and demonstration, and the correlation and application of scientific knowledge, working with like-minded organisations to show that we can go a long way. The cooperation with Bio-Power Technologies to assess the valorisation of the entire ‘waste’ channel of skins and bones has proven to be very valuable in understanding the structures, the compounds and ultimately how much is possible.”
Typically, avocado peels and seeds are used in low-value applications such as anaerobic digesters. But Westfalia Fruit’s process elevates the use of these by-products and enables them to be used in the creation of high-value packaging solutions, at a time when demand for sustainable carton packaging is growing.
Sutton adds: “This latest development aligns with our history of identifying, implementing and pioneering innovative, industry-leading methods to reduce waste, and reinforces our commitment to protecting the health of the environment in which we operate.”
Westfalia Fruit used the Fruit Attraction 2024 trade fair in Madrid as a showcase for this major development, where it also celebrated 75 years of leadership in the sector.
This initiative stems from Westfalia Fruit's use of avocado waste in beauty products to replace harmful plastic microbeads with natural alternatives.
