- 3 min read
- SEP 23,2025
Building a Coconut Supply Chain in
the Philippines: NaturLoop’s Progress
In November 2020, NaturLoop embarked on an ambitious journey in the Philippines with a clear vision: transform coconut husks—often discarded or burned—into the foundation for something innovative and sustainable. This vision became Cocoboard®, an eco-friendly alternative to wood-based panels. But NaturLoop aimed even higher—building a supply chain that supports global production while creating meaningful opportunities for local farming communities.
Starting in Quezon
NaturLoop’s first step was in Quezon Province, one of the country’s coconut heartlands. The team conducted an in-depth study of local coconut farming, identifying the scale of production, current practices, and untapped potential in husk utilization.
Through careful mapping of potential partners—from individual farmers to cooperatives and agribusinesses—NaturLoop laid the foundation for a sustainable network. This approach ensured that the project was not only about sourcing raw materials but also about fostering shared growth and long-term impact.
Early Breakthroughs
By 2021, NaturLoop’s efforts began to deliver tangible results. Partnerships with two large cooperatives in Quezon led to the establishment of a Coconut Husk Consolidation and Processing Center, supported by government initiatives.
A significant milestone came in Agusan del Norte with a formal supply agreement with 3 Kings Export, a company with years of husk-processing experience. The partnership secured a two-year supply of semi-processed husks, and with newly integrated equipment, efficiency improved, giving the supply chain a strong operational foundation.
“It was the point where things became tangible,” said Jerelle Marquez, Head of Operations in the Philippines. “We could see the system working, not just on paper but on the ground.”
A significant milestone came in Agusan del Norte with a formal supply agreement with 3 Kings Export, a company with years of husk-processing experience. The partnership secured a two-year supply of semi-processed husks, and with newly integrated equipment, efficiency improved, giving the supply chain a strong operational foundation.
“It was the point where things became tangible,” said Jerelle Marquez, Head of Operations in the Philippines. “We could see the system working, not just on paper but on the ground.”
Strengthening Through Partnerships
Local partnerships have proven to be NaturLoop’s strongest asset. 3 Kings Export brought nearly a decade of processing expertise and a skilled workforce, creating a solid operational backbone. Community engagement, still in its early stages, is being developed to encourage farmers to view husks as a valuable resource, integrated into their livelihoods.
NaturLoop is also exploring collaborations with government agencies to promote sustainable husk utilization, encourage coconut replanting, and support agricultural growth in local communities.
“These relationships are the backbone of the project,” Marquez emphasized. “With strong partners on the ground, sustainability becomes a reality.”
NaturLoop is also exploring collaborations with government agencies to promote sustainable husk utilization, encourage coconut replanting, and support agricultural growth in local communities.
“These relationships are the backbone of the project,” Marquez emphasized. “With strong partners on the ground, sustainability becomes a reality.”
Building Resilience and Learning
NaturLoop has approached its journey with adaptability and careful planning, building resilience into operations. By integrating logistical buffers, strengthening technical assessments, and planning for contingencies, the team has created a supply chain capable of navigating real-world operational challenges while maintaining steady growth.
Looking Ahead
With partnerships established and a functioning supply chain, NaturLoop is poised for expansion. The next phase focuses on securing partners in strategic locations and gradually integrating the raw material supply chain into a dedicated factory.
What began as a simple idea to utilize an overlooked byproduct has grown into a model for sustainable sourcing, creating value for both global markets and local farming communities. NaturLoop’s journey illustrates how innovative thinking, strong partnerships, and a focus on tangible progress can transform an industry while supporting meaningful social and environmental impact.
What began as a simple idea to utilize an overlooked byproduct has grown into a model for sustainable sourcing, creating value for both global markets and local farming communities. NaturLoop’s journey illustrates how innovative thinking, strong partnerships, and a focus on tangible progress can transform an industry while supporting meaningful social and environmental impact.
