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This literature review explores the problem of post-consumption of green coconut in Brazil. It starts by offering an analysis of the general aspects of the coconut industry and its derivatives. It also highlights the origins of coconut by-products, as well as the impacts of the industry in rural and urban management. The properties and potential uses of coconut by-products are also evaluated. The review presents diverse theoretical approaches regarding the concept of sustainable development as applied to product design. Results reveal a wide range of potential applications of coconut by-products in the field of engineering, although there is still an evident lack of research into the management and logistics of the coconut production chain. We argue that the concept of sustainability must be interpreted broadly, but also objectively, in any future research in order to facilitate the sustainable consumption and post-consumption of the green coconut.

Brazil is the fourth larger producer in coconut fruit in the world. However, the industry processes only a small portion of coconut byproducts, which have caused serious environmental problems. The purpose of this article is to test an alternative for the recovery of coconut byproduct. In a series of experiments, recovered coconut fibers (coir) were treated to be employ in textile application. After initial classification and sampling, the fine coconut fibers were subjected to a simultaneous scouring and pre-bleaching process in a mild alkali solution together with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The fibers were first subjected to this treatment for 10 minutes at 80°C and then again for 20 minutes at the boiling point. The samples were then treated with a cationic softener for 10 minutes at 60°C. After this process, the physical and mechanical properties were measured and values proved not to be statistically significant. The article indicates some of the main obstacles when handling coconut fiber for textile applications and reveals that besides elongation, softness and homogeneity are essential for coconut fibers spinning. Findings in this investigation showed some improved results in relation to the previous literature in two aspects: Firstly, because the treatment did not harm the fibers quality; secondly, because due to the treatment the coconut fibers could be arranged in fibrous strands, which facilitated spinning and weaving for use in textile applications. Keywords: coconut fiber, coir, scouring, softening, textile.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo propor procedimentos, utilizando como referência a metodologia projetual de Löbach para desenvolvimento de produtos sustentáveis têxteis a partir de sobras dos materiais das micro e pequenas confecções. A Metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa bibliográfica, que constitui o procedimento básico para os estudos monográficos, e a pesquisa exploratória, pois não requer a formulação de hipóteses para serem testadas. Ela se restringe por definir objetivos, buscar mais informações sobre determinado assunto de estudo e identificar qual o melhor método a ser utilizado. No caso deste projeto, a ideia foi adaptar a sintetização de Löbach no processo de design, relacionando-o com o processo de resolução de problemas e o processo criativo, em quatro iniciativas essenciais: definir claramente o problema (preparação); reunir informações sobre o problema, analisá-las e relacioná-las criativamente entre si (geração); criar alternativas de soluções para o problema, julgando-as segundo critérios estabelecidos (avaliação) e desenvolver a alternativa mais adequada, concretizando-a (realização). Após a elaboração do projeto, comprovou-se que a metodologia utilizada se mostrou viável para o desenvolvimento de produtos sustentáveis, voltados para a sociedade e consumo.

This literature review explores the problem of post-consumption of green coconut in Brazil. It starts by offering an analysis of the general aspects of the coconut industry and its derivatives. It also highlights the origins of coconut by-products, as well as the impacts of the industry in rural and urban management. The properties and potential uses of coconut by-products are also evaluated. The review presents diverse theoretical approaches regarding the concept of sustainable development as applied to product design. Results reveal a wide range of potential applications of coconut by-products in the field of engineering, although there is still an evident lack of research into the management and logistics of the coconut production chain. We argue that the concept of sustainability must be interpreted broadly, but also objectively, in any future research in order to facilitate the sustainable consumption and post-consumption of the green coconut., Esta revisão explora problema do pós-consumo do coco verde no Brasil. Inicialmente foi feita uma investigação sobre os aspectos gerais da indústria do coco e de seus derivados. A origem da geração dos subprodutos do coco e as consequências de tal indústria para a gestão rural e urbana também foram apontados. Em seguida, foram pesquisados artigos e relatórios científicos para conferir as propriedades e as possíveis aplicações dos subprodutos de coco. Para complementar, foram apresentadas diferentes visões sobre o conceito teórico do desenvolvimento sustentável aplicado ao design de produtos. Como resultado, a literatura cobre uma variada gama de aplicações para os subprodutos do coco em engenharia, entretanto, carece de pesquisas na área de gestão e logística da cadeia do coco. Conclui-se que os conceitos de sustentabilidade devem ser interpretados de forma ampla e objetiva em pesquisas futuras a fim de viabilizar o consumo e o pós-consumo sustentável da fruta.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a comparative study on the characteristics of knitted fabrics used in the manufacturing of apparel, which are produced from organic cotton, lyocell and soybean protein fiber (SPF). It is important for both the environment and society that textile industry continues to adopt more ecofriendly materials and furthermore, pushes to increase awareness regarding these material choices available to the consumer and the corresponding impacts of consumers’ decisions. The use of sustainable fibers may be a starting point for changing the industrial paradigm of the textile industry. Design/methodology/approach – The research presented herein analyzes the potential use of three raw materials used in the development of knitted fabrics: organic cotton, lyocell and SPF. The experimental trials, based on norms, determined the weight, pilling, rupture pressure resistance, absorption by capillarity, dimensional alteration and elasticity. The significance of the experimental results was verified through the analysis of variance, with a confidence interval of 95 percent (p=0.05) and the determination of the optimal regulation of the machine was made through an analysis of the response surface. Findings – The results indicate that each of the studied materials are suitable for textile application; however, the fabrics manufactured from soybean yarn, compared to those manufactured from organic cotton or lyocell, have a higher potential to meet the needs of the costumer. Social implications – The discussion regarding sustainability is far reaching on the ways it interacts with human life. As such, the latent need for meeting this new demand presents a unique opportunity for the development of new processes and products. In the case of the textile industry, initiatives are gradually being adopted that make the processes used by the supply chain less damaging to the environment. Clothing and fashion are highly visible elements of society, so consequently, the textile industry serves as an excellent candidate for promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly mindset. Originality/value – The incorporation of sustainable fibers can serve as a starting point for change to the industrial paradigm existing within the textile industry. To this point, this study intended to analyze the potential implementation of three raw materials – organic cotton, lyocell and SPF – in the development of knitted fabrics. The results indicated that these materials are adequate for textile applications.