The Philippines is one of the world’s leading producers of coconuts, a crop produced from the "Tree of Life", so called due to its incredible versatility and importance to local communities. Indonesia, the Philippines and India produce around 88% of the world's total copra, the dried coconut meat that is the source of coconut oil, with Indonesia and the Philippines leading the way in coconut oil exports. In May, the AAK Personal Care Marketing Team had the privilege of touring our coconut supply chain in the Philippines. Here, we witnessed firsthand all the effort required to produce this valuable crop sustainably. The first part of our journey, covered in this blog, took us from Rainforest Alliance Certified coconut farms through the various stages of processing the coconuts into copra.
Our adventure began in a remote region of the Philippines, where coconut trees dominate the landscape. The Rainforest Alliance certification is a badge of honor for farmers, signifying adherence to rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards.
The farmers welcomed us with warm smiles and open arms, proud and eager to share their practices and the importance of sustainable farming. They explained that the Rainforest Alliance certification requires them to maintain the health of the ecosystem, which includes protecting wildlife habitats, conserving water, and ensuring soil fertility and described how the intercropping of coconuts with other plants not only creates more biodiversity but also provides additional income streams, thereby enhancing financial and environmental resilience. They were also enthusiastic about reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and had actively adopted organic and natural alternatives.
The farmers, who have been cultivating coconuts for decades, shared the initial challenges of transitioning to sustainable practices. They also spoke of the long-term benefits, such as instigating tree age assessments to identify trees past their productive age and replacing them with younger, more resilient varieties to ensure continuous and improved yields.
After immersing ourselves in the different environments of the certified inland and island farms, we set off to explore the next stage of the coconut’s journey—turning the whole nuts into copra. The drive to the next step took us through picturesque landscapes and endless rows of coconut trees.
As we arrived at the next stop to see how the segregated Rainforest Alliance coconuts are processed, we were immediately impressed by the scale of the operation, with the health and safety certification requirements very much in evidence. The atmosphere immersed us in traditional methods, reflecting the blend of old and new that characterizes the industry today.
We observed the meticulous process of converting coconuts into copra. First, the coconuts are expertly dehusked and split open, and then the white flesh is carefully extracted from the shell. This flesh is then dried in kilns until it becomes copra. The drying process is crucial, as the quality of the copra directly impacts the quality of the coconut oil produced. The workers were highly skilled, monitoring the drying process with precision to ensure that each batch met the strict standards required for certification.
One of the highlights of our visit was seeing how Rainforest Alliance guidelines enhance sustainability in the coconut industry. An integral part of certification involves educating the entire supply chain to adopt new practices and processes to improve efficiency while reducing waste and energy consumption. These innovations are crucial in meeting global demand for sustainable coconut products without compromising environmental integrity.
Throughout the visit, we witnessed how the Rainforest Alliance certification training resulted in cleaner technologies and more sustainable practices, such as waste management systems that repurpose coconut husks and shells. These by-products, which might otherwise be discarded, are transformed into biofuel or used in other industries, minimizing waste, and creating additional revenue streams.
Sustainability isn’t just about protecting the environment; it’s also about supporting the people who depend on it. Throughout our journey, it was clear that the Rainforest Alliance certification has a profound impact on local communities. Farmers received fair prices for their coconuts, enabling them to invest in their farms and improve their living standards. Later in our visit, we also visited the processing plant and saw how the factory workers, too, benefited from the certification with better working conditions and training opportunities.
As our trip came to an end, we couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we had just witnessed. The Rainforest Alliance certification ensured that every step of the coconut supply chain, from farm to factory, was conducted with respect for the environment and the people involved. It was inspiring to see how sustainability and tradition could coexist, creating a model for the future of agriculture.
This trip deepened our appreciation for the coconut products we often take for granted. Behind every bottle of Rainforest Alliance certified coconut oil, soap bar, or cream there is a story of hard work, innovation, and a commitment to doing things the right way. The experience left us with a renewed sense of hope—that with the proper practices, we can enjoy the bounty of the earth while ensuring that future generations can do the same.
Explore more about Akocare Coconut RA SG™ and its inspiring formulations.