Use of Mango Stones as a Source of Valuable Fats and Renewable Energy in Cambodia
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Implementer: Mendel University in Brno
Donor: Czech UNDP Challenge Fund
Implementation period: 2022-2023
BASELINE STATE
Cambodia is a major world producer of mangoes. The processing of mangoes produces processing waste - mango pit, which is quite large and woody. At present, the pits are treated only as waste, which is taken to landfill sites where it is usually burnt. However, for the larger fruit processors, this poses a problem for the environment. Large landfills take up arable land and pollute groundwater. Reducing the amount of waste by using it (e.g. as a source of renewable energy) would reduce the burden on the environment. In addition, the use of firewood, which is a common fuel in Cambodia, contributes to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Replacing fuelwood would help mango processing companies to reduce pressure on the environment and create an alternative and renewable source of energy.
PROJECT AIM
The aim of the project was to transfer, through a feasibility study, Czech technical know-how to Cambodian partners in the processing of mango pellets and their conversion into valuable fats (e.g. for cosmetics) and high-quality fuel pellets.
CONCLUSIONS OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY
Processing mango pits to fuel briquettes can be cash generating and can alleviate to environmental impacts of fruit processing industry.
Mango pits material performs characteristics very suitable for production of fuel briquettes and pellets. It has high caloric value, low emissions and relatively low ash content.
Mango pit material is very cohesive and mango pit briquettes are very compact after pressing. The material does not need any binder to be added which allows mixing with others, less cohesive materials.
Processing of mango kernels to mango kernel oil and mango kernel cake can be cash generating.
The mango kernel oil is suitable for both food and cosmetic industry. Mango kernel cake seems to be suitable as a component of animal feed mixtures.
The processing of mango pits reduces the use of landfills, and it reduces the use of fuelwood, which has a positive impact of deforestation control.
ROLE OF HOLISTIC SOLUTIONS S.R.O. IN THE PROJECT
The HS team introduced local processing companies to machines for processing of both Czech and foreign-made pellets.
HS participated in the feasibility study creation and provided mainly technical expertise.
