Overall reduction in coconut waste through the use of packaged coconut milk and powder could be 80-90%

Coconut Waste in Sri Lankan Households:

1. High Consumption Rate: Sri Lankans consume a large amount of coconuts per capita, leading to a significant amount of coconut waste generated at the household level.
2. Inefficient Milk Extraction:Traditional methods of extracting coconut milk often leave behind a considerable amount of coconut flesh, which contributes to waste. This is a key factor behind the 20-25% waste of domestically consumed coconuts.
3. Lack of Awareness:Some households may not fully utilize the coconut, leading to the disposal of parts like the coconut shell, husk, and remaining flesh that could be repurposed (e.g., coconut flour, coconut oil, or for crafts).

Potential Solution: Packaged Coconut Milk and Coconut Powder

By using packaged coconut milk or powder, households can significantly reduce waste from coconuts. Here’s how:

• Reduced Waste from Shells and Husk: Fresh coconuts generate around 60-70% waste from the shells and husks. Packaged coconut milk and powder eliminate this waste since they are processed from the coconut meat, not the shells or husks.
• Long Shelf Life: Packaged products have a longer shelf life, preventing spoilage. This could contribute to a 10-20% reduction in waste related to unused coconut milk that might spoil in households.
• Efficient Usage: Packaged coconut milk and powder allow for precise usage. This minimizes over-extraction or waste from unused milk. The efficient use of the product could reduce waste by an additional 10-15%.

Summary of Waste Reduction Potential:

• 60-70% of the waste (shells and husks) can be eliminated by using packaged coconut milk and powder.
• 10-20% of the waste from spoilage can be reduced thanks to the longer shelf life of packaged products.
• 10-15% reduction in waste from inefficient coconut milk extraction due to better portion control.

Thus, the overall reduction in coconut waste through the use of packaged coconut milk and powder could be 80-90% when considering the reduction in waste from shells, spoilage, and over-extraction.