Japanese conglomerate Swung Inc. held a follow-up meeting with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), pushing forward discussions on their patented organic fertilizer technology and potential ventures into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production from coconut-derived products. The high-level meeting, held at the PCA Central Office, underscores the growing international interest in the Philippines’ burgeoning coconut industry and its vast innovation potential.

The delegation from Swung Inc., led by CEO Manabu Mizoguchi and its partners, Green Carbon Co., Ltd., and Kira Shoten Co., Ltd., met with PCA Administrator and CEO Dr. Dexter R. Buted and other officials.

One of the key agenda items was the progress of the fertilizer trials using the Japanese-developed formulation, which combines organic waste materials such as coconut residues, sugarcane, and beer waste. PCA shared initial updates and field observations from its ongoing evaluation of the fertilizer’s efficacy, following the submission of 50 kilograms of the product during the initial March visit.

Discussions focused on optimizing application methods, scaling field trials, and the potential for localized production of fertilizer technology in the Philippines. The team technical clarifications and addressed patent-related concerns, while PCA officials explored regulatory pathways for the product's eventual introduction to the Philippine market.

PCA chief emphasized the importance of aligning the technology with local agro-ecological conditions. “We are committed to supporting innovations that can uplift the coconut industry, provided they undergo rigorous testing and comply with Philippine standards,” he said.

The meeting also revisited Swung Inc.'s interest in producing SAF using byproducts from coconut and other crops. Building on the March 19 exploratory talks with the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Management Bureau, Mr. Mizoguchi outlined their intent to collaborate with Philippine biofuel producers and possibly establish SAF production facilities locally.

While the SAF production pathway remains under global regulatory review, particularly under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), the PCA underscored its openness to facilitating discussions with local biodiesel manufacturers and agencies, such as the DOE and the Philippine Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), to assess technical feasibility and industry alignment.

Another highlight of the meeting was the announcement of a new company being established in the Philippines by the Japanese consortium. The delegates expressed their intent to work closely with PCA as a key strategic partner in identifying trial sites, aligning with local farmers, and navigating the policy and regulatory landscape. Plans for a site visit to current fertilizer test locations and potential production facilities were discussed, with PCA offering to coordinate schedules and logistics.

PCA chief lauded the initiative as a “forward-looking collaboration” that resonates with PCA’s mission under its 5-Year Strategic Development Plan and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

With both parties committed to moving forward, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether these innovative applications of coconut byproducts can transition from promising concepts to commercially viable solutions that benefit both the environment and Philippine agriculture.