Swiss Partners
Pakka Foundation, Zurich
www.pakkafoundation.org
Martin Lichtenegger
Generation Carbon, Basel-Landschaft
www.generation-carbon.ch
Martin R. Schmid
Local Partner
Kardianuts S.A.S., Bogotà
www.kardianuts.com
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Swiss Contribution
The Zurich-based Pakka Foundation is involved in fourteen nut production units worldwide. As part of the project Pyro-Power Colombia, it collaborates closely with Generation Carbon to develop pyrolysis systems to improve organic waste management in cashew nuts plantations. The two organizations guarantee that higher standards in terms of sustainability are met.
Description
Pyrolysis systems allow recycling specific types of waste such as cashew nut shells. This technique consists in heating the organic waste at a high temperature to transform it into a new material called biochar. Biochar can then be used for various ends, such as soil fertilization. The heat produced during the pyrolysis process is reused to dry the cashew. Eventually, the process could be adapted to other waste products.
Results
A customized pyrolysis plant was designed, built, and tested. Based on the results, a definitive redesign for continuous operation and suitable for upscaling will follow. In 2025, a workshop was held with local farmers and workers from various farms. Thirty people participated, including 11 women. The main objective of the workshop was to identify management strategies and prepare for replication. The workshop was coordinated with various regional and national training centers and organizations. Parallel to these activities, the possibilities for local production of larger plants and future WBC World Biochar Certificate certification were explored.