LOS BAŇOS, Laguna –The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) here, in partnership with a Pampanga-based firm, have developed the so-called “green” charcoal that is less messy and almost smokeless.
The DOST-FPRDI reported on Tuesday that it expects that the development of the “green-based cooking” alternative would encourage top players in the country’s chicken roasting industry to use “green” charcoal in cooking their grilled products.
The FPRDI, an institute under the DOST, is mandated to address the changing needs of forest-based industries by conducting research and development on wood and non-wood forest products.
The production of the “green” charcoal was among FPDRDI’s techno project undertakings as part of its mandate in promoting technology transfer and providing technical services and trainings.
DOST-FPRDI Engr. Belen Bisana said that “the bana grass briquette is a most welcome development as the use of eco-friendly charcoal can help relieve pressure on the country’s mangroves.”
He assessed that “during the past decade, the heavy dependence on wood charcoal by “lechon” (roasted chicken or pig) businesses all over the country has been blamed for the depletion of our mangrove forests.”
The technology and product developers explained that the charcoal briquette is a compacted mass of fuel material made from a mix of charcoal fines and a binder, and molded under pressure.
They also described the “green” charcoal as less messy than ordinary charcoal and easier to handle because it is compact and uniform in size.
Also, the “green” charcoal easily ignites; burns more slowly; gives more intense heat per unit volume; and is almost smokeless when burning.
DOST-FPRDI conducted its recent techno-demo at the Mackay Green Energy Inc. office with fast food store chain “Mang Inasal Philippines Inc.” representatives who were on hand to observe how the bana grass briquettes are made.
Representatives from FPRDI Calixto Lulo and Engr. Amando Allan Bondad demonstrated to Joseph Issifu of Mackay Green Energy on the use of the drum kiln and manual briquettor.
According to Issifu, besides “Mang Inasal”, they also have on-going talks with two other top roasting companies who are interested in their product.
Mackay Green Energy has acquired the 30 manual briquettors, 30 drum kilns, 6 binder-mixers and 6 charcoal crushers from the DOST-FPRDI.
The private firm, a proponent in using advanced green technologies focuses on the development of various renewable energy systems designed to efficiently convert wastes and biomass to energy and fuels which are environment-friendly. (Saul Pa-a/PNA)
