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Agricultural waste from tequila and mezcal production

Agricultural waste from tequila and mezcal production

The agave industry, particularly in tequila and mezcal production, generates significant agricultural waste in the form of agave leaves, which are often left to rot or burned. This disposal method contributes to environmental issues, including air pollution and methane emissions, highlighting the need for a sustainable waste management solution.

ACTIVAE identified an opportunity to repurpose agave leaves by transforming them into sustainable natural fibers for use in the brake pad industry. By providing technical guidance and market insights, ACTIVAE facilitated the development of a process to convert agave waste into durable fibers, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials in brake pads.

This innovative approach solved a waste management problem and created a sustainable product with market demand in the automotive industry. The use of agave fibers in brake pads reduced environmental impact and created a new revenue stream for agave farmers, contributing environmental and economic sustainability.

Project timeline

1
AUGUST

• First contact
• Sites visit

2
SEP/OCT/NOV

• Tech scan
• Prioritization
• Development

3
JULY

• Pilot test

4
MAY

• Products launch

Notes about this project timeline

Key figures/results

80
Technologies identified

Technologies identified, and analyzed from a scalable, cost-effective perspective

10
Prioritized ideas
1
1 new product with global impact

Authors

Maria Lozoya

Associate emerging technologies

Diego Santamaria Razo

Managing Director

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