Get to Know
naturloop
NaturLoop is a Material Science
Company Based in Switzerland
We are specialists in working with coconut fibres and fostering a sustainable future through research and development of new materials.
By designing a unique technology to produce them on an industrial scale, we envision making ecological products a practical choice for the built environment.
By designing a unique technology to produce them on an industrial scale, we envision making ecological products a practical choice for the built environment.
Discover
the JourneY
NaturLoop was born out of a research project at the Bern University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Materials and Wood Technology, aimed at creating a sustainable material from coconut fibers.
The company was founded by entrepreneurs passionate for circular economy – based emerging materials. Cocoboard®, the minimum viable product, advanced in the lab paving the way for industrialization plans to take shape.
The technology has been validated through an industrial pilot production in Europe. Panels are available for customer prototyping projects, as the official market entry in the region is set in motion.
To secure a steady supply of coconut
husks, we partnered with local
farmers and processors, integrated
processing equipment, and built a
sustainable supply chain for
Cocoboard® production.
We are partnering with production
partners near the source of raw
materials in top coconut-producing
countries to scale up Cocoboard®
technology and maximize its impact.
Say hi,
meet the team
United by a Common
Spirit for Change
The NaturLoop team is an international, interdisciplinary group of individuals experienced in wood technology, engineering, and sustainable development. We share a purpose of disrupting the material sector and bringing sustainable innovation to the market.
With a background in Materials Science (McMaster University) and Wood Innovation Management (Bern University of Applied Sciences), Daniel blends technical expertise with a deep passion for sustainable materials. He spent nearly a decade in wood manufacturing and product innovation, introducing innovative products to architects across Canada. Carrying forward his family’s legacy in the wood industry, Daniel leads NaturLoop with a vision to create lasting environmental and social impact.
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Charmaine holds master’s degrees from Yale University and the University of Amsterdam and has dedicated 25 years to shaping impactful policies and partnerships for the UN, Asian Development Bank, and NGOs. She has founded and led organizations in the Philippines focused on community empowerment. At NaturLoop, she guides strategy and partnerships, ensuring our growth aligns with positive change for people and the planet.
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Trained in Furniture Design and Wood Technology, with a Master’s in Wood Science and Processes, Michail brings over 9 years of R&D expertise in sustainable panels and natural adhesives. He combines technical precision with creativity, leading the development of Cocoboard’s unique properties. Michail’s work ensures every board we make stands for quality, innovation, and sustainability.
Kees has led global supply chains and operations for over 25 years, including as Regional Supply Chain Head at Nespresso for Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Today, as Head of Logistic Agility at Richemont International Distribution, he continues to champion operational excellence and logistics projects. At NaturLoop, Kees channels his customer-first mindset and talent for developing strong teams to scale our operations sustainably and efficiently.
Charlie holds a BSc in Construction Economics and brings a wealth of experience in building efficient, resilient supply chains. From managing procurement for Ireland’s largest Japanese restaurant chain to overseeing complex international sourcing, Charlie ensures NaturLoop’s materials and partnerships flow smoothly from coconut farms to production lines.
A licensed educator with 15 years in public service, Jerelle has led projects in procurement, community development, and scholarship programs. She now oversees NaturLoop’s Philippine operations, ensuring the heart of our supply chain coconut farmers and processing teams thrives. Jerelle brings people together, turning local expertise into global impact.
With a background in International Business Management and Broadcast Journalism, Aira combines storytelling with strategy. She has led marketing for NGOs and worked with UNOPS in Sri Lanka. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Circular Innovation and Sustainability, she brings a forward-looking perspective to her work. At NaturLoop, she supports marketing and sales efforts, making sure our story reaches the right people and inspires action.
With 30+ years in finance and operations, Peter was Global Head of Cost Management and Transfer Pricing at Nestlé, overseeing CHF 70bn+ in costs, and held leadership roles at Mars. He advises on P&L optimization, cost development, capex evaluation, and operational agility, supporting NaturLoop’s financial strategy and fundraising.
Fred has over 40 years in wood manufacturing. He founded and successfully exited a CNC wood components company serving global clients and later co-founded Element5 Co., where he led manufacturing operations. He advises NaturLoop on commercial partnerships, pricing, and scaling production capabilities.
Dr. Thomas Walther has 20+ years in product and technology development for fiber-based composites, including 13 years at IKEA. At AFRY Management Consulting, he advises global wood industry leaders on M&A, strategy, and technology. With his extensive network in the wood-based panel industry, he connects NaturLoop to key players while guiding product development and industrialization.
Agnes brings 25 years in the coconut industry, including 10 years in R&D of processing systems and products. As former Executive Director of the Virgin Coconut Oil Producers’ Association of the Philippines, she provides NaturLoop with deep sector knowledge and strong networks for building resilient farmer partnerships.
Joe is a seasoned advisor to leaders and businesses worldwide, specializing in investment and cross-border expansion. He is a partner at Gravitas Prime (Andersen Global collaborator), a founding member of MAIN, and co-director of Founder Institute Philippines. Through Bullet Day Consulting, he helps scale-ups restructure for global capital. He supports NaturLoop in building investor and strategic partnerships across Asia.
Charmaine Cu-Unjieng
Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer
Michail Kyriazopoulos
Co-founder & CTO
Kees Tijs
COO
Charlie Zhu
Head of Logistics & Procurement
Jerelle Marquez
Head of Operations – Philippines
Aira Ackermann
Marketing & Sales Support
Peter Scrivener
Financial Advisor
Fred Dinizo
Commercial Solutions Advisor
Thomas Cu-Walther
Product Development Advisor
Agnes l Cu-Cristobal
Coconut Industry Advisor
Joseph De Leon
Investment & Partnerships Advisor
NaturLoop supports
Local Farming Communities
We make use of available resources that would have gone to waste and integrate local farming communities in the value chain. Supporting these communities generate more jobs and helps preserve their cultural heritage as coconut farming has been part of cultures for centuries.
Coconut trees are also known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, helping reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere. We believe that a sustainable material is made from taking into consideration the well–being of everyone, and everything involved in the supply chain.
Coconut trees are also known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, helping reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere. We believe that a sustainable material is made from taking into consideration the well–being of everyone, and everything involved in the supply chain.
