In the Philippines, coconut farming generates approximately 5 million tons of organic waste annually. However, only 5 to 10% of the coconut husks are currently recycled due to limitations in processing technology and infrastructure. NaturLoop has addressed this challenge by developing a process that transforms coconut husks into a high-quality, sustainable raw material for manufacturing. This innovation is a key step in the company’s mission to reduce waste while providing a sustainable alternative to traditional wood-based products.

NaturLoop's flagship product, Cocoboard, is a 100% bio-based and circular alternative to Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF), a widely used material in the furniture and interior design industries. Cocoboard is produced by extracting natural fibers from coconut husks and combining them with a bio-based resin. This mixture is then pressed at a forming station using heat to create sheet panels. The final product features a fine surface texture, compatible with various coating systems, making it ideal for applications in furniture production (e.g., cabinetry, tabletops) and interior architecture (e.g., partitions, decorative panels).

As part of its two-year REPIC project, NaturLoop secured CHF 150K in funding to support the collection and processing of coconut husks. The company is currently establishing a Pilot Consolidation Centre (CC) to support its ambition of producing 1,000 panels as part of a first batch by the end of this year. Once the dedicated manufacturing facility in the Philippines is complete, NaturLoop aims to scale production to 20,000m³ of Cocoboard annually by 2027.

In addition to REPIC funding, the Philippine government is providing capital equipment to accelerate NaturLoop's operations. The company has also secured a key supply chain partner and is in the process of installing specialized machinery to enhance the efficiency of coconut husk processing for Cocoboard production. At the same time, NaturLoop is finalizing its production setup in Europe, with a contract manufacturer in Sweden preparing to scale operations. The first deliveries are scheduled for October 2025.

NaturLoop, founded as a spin-off from the Bern University of Applied Sciences and supported by a team of seven employees, has been working closely with 10 leading EU furniture manufacturers and design studios over the past two years to prototype Cocoboard for various applications. Prominent companies such as Vitra, Steelcase, and IKEA are testing Cocoboard for use in office systems, home tabletops, and kitchen fronts. Additionally, Studiocolony, WD3, and Werkkollektiv are incorporating the material into concept furniture and modular spatial designs. Schwab System is exploring Cocoboard for acoustic panels and speaker applications, while Knoblauch is integrating it into premium interiors for hospitality and retail spaces. Kuratle & Jaecker will distribute Cocoboard for kitchen and interior panels across Switzerland. With these key partnerships in place, NaturLoop is now poised to fulfill its first orders.

To date, NaturLoop has raised over CHF 2.4 million, including CHF 1.4 million in non-dilutive funding. Investors such as Venture Kick and Kickfund have also provided support via convertible loans. The company is now planning a CHF 1.5 million seed round, which it aims to close by the end of 2025. This funding will help accelerate the company's commercialization efforts and support its next stage of growth.

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