By Jules Philip Tillay
The Philippines is home to 347 million coconut trees and yields an average of 14 million tons of coconut fruits a year. Aside from its succulent meat and refreshing juice, the coconut fruit also has fibrous husks which are often converted as geotextile and used in creating bags, rags, ropes, and other products.
Consequently, tons of fibrous coconut husks are improperly disposed of or burned in fields. During an episode of Pa-Siyensya Na, Kenno Michael Uy, the founder and CEO of Lesstics, Inc., recalled that these waste coconut husks can also be a potential source of vector-borne risks.
“Sa Lanao Del Norte, nag-ikot kami at nakita namin na nakatambak coconut husks or ‘bunot’ in Bisaya, after harvest season ng copra. Since nakatambak siya, tinitirhan ng mga lamok at daga. Naisip namin na kung matanggal ang mga ito, maso-solve ang problem for farming communities.” he said.
Mr. Kenno Michael Uy proudly poses with Lesstics, Inc.’s Silver Award at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG). Photo courtesy of DOST-TAPI
Uy saw this as an opportunity to develop the Coir-reinforced Bio-based High-Density Polyurethane Composite or the Earth Board. This technology won the Silver Award at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG).
A reliable alternative
Earth Board is made of fibers of waste coconut husks. Due to its bio-based composition, it emits fewer volatile organic compounds. This significantly contributes to reduced air pollution and associated health risks in working environments.
Scenes from the working station of the Earth Board at Lanao Del Norte. Photo courtesy of Lesstics, Inc.
The plant-based binder formula that is infused in the Earth Board has high bonding strength, offering an improved structural strength. It also has excellent insulation and moisture resistance properties which guarantee long-lasting performance even in humid environments.
With these features, the Earth Board is viable for various applications. It is also a suitable alternative to plywood and synthetic boards, commonly used in the construction and furniture industries.
“The technology has been successfully developed and tested, proving its strength, durability, and eco-friendly benefits through various performance and safety assessments,” Uy said in a written statement.
A deeper purpose
His purpose is largely anchored on the mission of Lesstics, Inc., his very own startup company which puts sustainability at the core of its advocacy. Uy has previously created products such as the No-Rinse Hand Wash Formula made from coconut oil, and Eco-Roofing Tiles made from single-use plastic.
Scenes from the working station of the Earth Board at Lanao Del Norte. Photo courtesy of Lesstics, Inc.
“I am motivated to innovate by the desire to make a tangible, positive impact on both the people and the planet,” Uy said in a written statement. He later saw the potential of the country’s waste materials, or coconut husks in particular. In efforts to reduce agricultural waste pollution, he collaborated with Amierson Tilendo and other experts to invent the Earth Board.
A hopeful outlook
Growing up, Uy has witnessed the challenges that coconut farmers faced. With a value-adding product like Earth Board, he wants to usher in more livelihood opportunities and additional income sources for coconut farmers, ultimately contributing to a circular local economy. To actualize his vision, Uy pushed for the commercialization of this technology.
Through one of DOST-TAPI’s programs, particularly the Expanded Venture Financing Program, Lesstics, Inc. received seed funding for the market launch of the Earth Board. According to Uy, Lesstics, Inc. now focuses on scaling production to meet market demands while ensuring cost efficiency.
“We are actively seeking funding through investors, grants, and competitions to further expand production and distribution. Additionally, we are working on establishing supply chains and distribution networks both locally and internationally to bring our sustainable products to a broader audience,” Uy said.
This is how Lesstics, Inc. is shaping the future of sustainable technologies.
** This article is part of the “Shape The Future Through Innovations: Pagsulong Tungo sa Gintong Tagumpay” Campaign for the 50th IEIG. For more information and event updates, please visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph. **
