Coconut shell price falls from Rs 37 to Rs 19 per kg in Kerala

Malappuram: Coconut shells, which were once a star commodity in the scrap market, have lost their shine. The price of coconut shells, which stood at Rs 37 per kg just two weeks ago, has now dropped to Rs 19. The main reason is a decline in demand from units that process coconut shells into charcoal. Prices have fallen as sufficient quantities of coconut shell charcoal have arrived in the market from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Coconut shells collected in Kerala were mainly transported to Tamil Nadu for the production of activated carbon. The special feature of activated carbon is its ability to absorb foul odours and toxic substances. It can also be produced from coal and bamboo. Activated carbon is used for purifying water and air and removing unpleasant odours. Carbon derived from coconut shells is also used in the manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products such as soaps, toothpaste, face scrubs, face washes and face masks.

Coconut shell powder is also added during the manufacture of incense sticks to make it burn longer. Coconut shell charcoal is used along with wood in plywood manufacturing to improve its strength. These varied uses had kept coconut shell prices high in the local market for the past few years.

During the period of gas shortage, hotels also relied heavily on coconut shells as an alternative fuel. This further boosted demand. However, with gas supplies returning to normal, that demand has also declined.

The fall in prices has left scrap dealers in a difficult situation. Coconut shells purchased two weeks ago are now lying unsold, said Madaswamy (Muthu), a scrap dealer in Manjeri. He is now forced to send out coconut shells bought at Rs 35 per kg at a much lower price.