Kina Bank Sustainability Excellence Award.

Malala Coconut Co-operative Society has seta new benchmark by introducing White Copra, a value-added product that delivers premium returns to farmers. Since its establishment in 2022, the cooperative has grown from 15 to 20 active members, comprising 15 men and 5 women. Monthly production has doubled from 12.5 tonnes to 25 tonnes, reflecting both workforce expansion and operational efficiency. Malala also diversifies into high-value coconut products including virgin coconut oil, herbal soap, and infused oils, creating new income streams for its members.

Malala supplies White Copra to Marico in Bangladesh and, since 2025, has expanded into the Indian market with White Copra and Coconut Shell Charcoal. Domestically, it partners with Kumul Organicsin Madang and distributes virgin coconut oil to Goroka and Port Moresby. These market linkages have secured premium prices—currently K4.70 per kilogram for White Copra compared to K3.50 for black copra—demonstrating the financial benefits of innovation. The cooperative has built 15 White Copra dryers, a Virgin Coconut Oil shed, a mini laboratory, storage facilities, and a transit storage shed. Logistics are supported by a dedicated vehicle, while nurseries—one main and five onsite—are operated in partnership with the South Pacific Community under the Business-Friendly Program. This innovation, combined with the adoption of ICT-based banking systems, positions Malala as a forward-looking cooperative committed to modernization and financial inclusion.

White Kopra is considered sustainable and climate-friendly because it uses clean, efficient dryin g methods that reduce waste, avoid smoke pollution, and open up eco-friendly product chains. Itis produced by drying fresh coconut meat in controlled ovens or indirect heating systems until the moisture content drops to about 5%, resulting in a clean, high-grade product. Unlike traditional copra methods that relied on open fires or smoke-based drying—which often caused deforestation, air pollution, and inconsistent quality—White Kopra’s process is part of a circular economy model that reuses by-products such as coconut shells for charcoal briquettes and liquid smoke, minimizing environmental impact. This innovation helps address climate risks by reducing carbon emissions, cutting reliance on wood fuel, and preventing the degradation of coastal coconut groves.

Beyond sustainability, White Kopra serves as the foundation for a range of downstream products: Virgin Coconut Oil, natural soaps, skincare items, and other coconut-based goods that add value to local economies while promoting green consumer choices. In short, White Kopra transforms coconut farming from a resource-intensive practice into a climate-resilient, eco-friendly industry with multiple sustainable spin-offs.