Potential of Non-Standard Coconut as a Raw Material for Bioenergy Production

Coconut (Cocos Nucifera L.) is a tropical palm plant widely used for food, yet the food industry rejects 30% of coconut meat and copra as non-standard. This research aims to study the characteristics of non-standard coconut meat and copra (dried coconut meat) and assess their prospects as feedstock for bioenergy production. Non-standard samples were analyzed in a laboratory, which were small, sprouted, over-mature, rotten coconuts, and non-edible copra. Results revealed that copra from rotten coconuts had the lowest free fatty acid (FFA) value of 0.91%, while the coconut meat from rotten coconuts had the highest FFA value of 13.8%. Crude coconut oil derived from all damaged coconuts exhibited the lowest moisture content of 0.38%, whereas coconut meat from rotten coconuts showed the highest moisture content of 57.17%. Total plate count analysis indicated that crude coconut oil had less than 1.0 × 10¹, while coconut meat from rotten coconuts recorded the highest at 1.4 × 10⁹. These findings demonstrate that non-standard coconut meat and copra can serve as valuable raw materials for bioavtur production, minimizing competition with food-grade coconuts. Moreover, it is consistent with sustainability to harness these underutilized resources, which acts as a cleaner option in terms of the environment for the aviation industry. As the leader in coconut production, Indonesia benefits by developing non-standard coconuts into bioavtur, integrating economic advantages for millions of people connected to the coconut industries, such as farmers, workers, traders, logistics, and industries while contributing to renewable energy and utilizing waste products.