Cassava, that treasure rooted in the soil of Colombia, goes beyond being a mere source of sustenance. Its leaves, stems and the starch within its root, reveal themselves as genuine assets for a variety of industrial applications. From starch transformed into environmentally friendly bioplastics to leaves and stems finding their way into animal feed and gluten-free foods, cassava truly is a chameleon in the realm of the bioeconomy.

SEI’s research has shed light on an exciting perspective: the potential of cassava starch for bioplastic production. This discovery not only promises a transformative shift in how we approach plastic production but also offers a unique opportunity to diversify the business of bitter cassava in the region. Cassava, once primarily a staple food, is now a pivot towards a more sustainable and lucrative future.

Yet, what further elevates cassava’s potential in Colombia is the detailed study carried out by SEI. This study has acted as a guiding light, steering the path towards the adoption of robust public policies concerning cassava and its multifaceted potential. The institute’s research has provided invaluable insights that have inspired various stakeholders in the Colombian Caribbean region to come together and work in unison.

Colombia’s hidden treasure

In a world where innovation and sustainability intertwine in an endless dance of possibilities, an unassuming root crop known as cassava emerges as an unexpected protagonist in the quest for eco-friendly solutions. Discover how this root, essential for the food security of over 500 million people worldwide, is destined to propel Colombia to the forefront of the bioeconomy and bioplastic production, with the crucial backing of the SEI’s research.

Cassava, that treasure rooted in the soil of Colombia, goes beyond being a mere source of sustenance. Its leaves, stems and the starch within its root, reveal themselves as genuine assets for a variety of industrial applications. From starch transformed into environmentally friendly bioplastics to leaves and stems finding their way into animal feed and gluten-free foods, cassava truly is a chameleon in the realm of the bioeconomy.

SEI’s research has shed light on an exciting perspective: the potential of cassava starch for bioplastic production. This discovery not only promises a transformative shift in how we approach plastic production but also offers a unique opportunity to diversify the business of bitter cassava in the region. Cassava, once primarily a staple food, is now a pivot towards a more sustainable and lucrative future.

Yet, what further elevates cassava’s potential in Colombia is the detailed study carried out by SEI. This study has acted as a guiding light, steering the path towards the adoption of robust public policies concerning cassava and its multifaceted potential. The institute’s research has provided invaluable insights that have inspired various stakeholders in the Colombian Caribbean region to come together and work in unison.

SEI identified three value chains in the Colombian Caribbean region with immense potential for the bioeconomy. These three chains open the door to a promising future: bioplastics and materials, nutritional blocks for animal feed and gluten-free foods. Each of these paths not only presents economic opportunities but also a way to progress towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly society.

The notion of transforming cassava into bioplastics might sound like science fiction, but in reality, it is a testament to human ingenuity. Imagine a world where plastic packaging is Earth-friendly, where plastic pollution becomes a thing of the past and oceans rejoice in the use of biodegradable materials. Cassava, with its starch, holds the key to unlock this future. With the collaborative efforts of scientists, innovators and visionaries, Colombia stands on the threshold of leading a bioplastic revolution.

In this exhilarating journey towards sustainability, the University of Cauca has become a pivotal player. The transfer of a patent for bioplastic production from industrial cassava starch to Essentia, a company previously focused on petroleum-derived plastics, showcases the convergence of academic research and industrial innovation. This bold collaboration not only propels bioplastic production forward but also demonstrates how cassava is playing a crucial role in transforming industry and economy in Colombia.

However, while opportunities are promising, challenges are significant. Despite cassava being grown in all 32 departments of Colombia, the current installed capacity falls short of meeting the nation’s demands. The rising costs of labor and production continue to mount, and there is a lack of cooperation on the matter, as well as limited government support.

The reality is that cassava’s production is spread across the entire country, but the existing capacity is insufficient to meet the nation’s needs. The absence of coordination and support in the production chain has hindered this invaluable resource from becoming a fully developed economic driver. It’s crucial that stakeholders, including farmers, industries and the government, work together to overcome these challenges and create an enabling environment for the expansion and success of cassava’s bioeconomy in Colombia.

As the world advances towards a more sustainable future, cassava emerges as an unexpected gem in Colombia’s bioeconomy landscape. Its role in global food security, coupled with its versatility in bioplastic production, animal feed and gluten-free products, positions it at the core of a transformative change. The call to action is clear and resonant: it’s time to unite and harness the potential of cassava, allowing Colombia to become a beacon of innovation and sustainability on the global stage. Guided by the research and perspectives of SEI and visionary collaborations like the University of Cauca and companies such as Essentia, overcoming these challenges is essential for cassava to flourish as a real and viable solution in the pursuit of a greener and more prosperous future.