Page 59 - FoodFocusThailand No.192 March 2022

STRATEGIC R&D

The name Eri silk pupae may not sound with effective marketing plans, will change the conventional
familiar for many, but Khun Ploy, Ms. Praewprai impression that people have about insects.
Kongkiatkrai, Kokoonic, is more than acquainted Khun Ploy added that her business model
with it because this silk pupae is the main raw may not be the same as those of other
material for Kokoonic’s products. Khun Ploy insect protein operators because her
remarked that since eri silk pupae, a type of missions are to increase the farmers’
silk-producing insect, are wastefully disposed of income and to protect the environment
at the end of the silk production, she started while maintaining the product quality and
looking for an opportunity to put these silk pupae standard. She believes that the more well-
into good use and add value to them. As a result, known her business becomes, the more her
she came up with an idea to produce alternative products will be recognized; all those benefits
eri silk pupae protein. will eventually go back upstream to the eri silk
Khun Ploy recounted the story that had pupae farmers.
steered her to this path. Her family-run textile
and natural fiber business (Kongkiat Textile According to Khun Ploy’s perspective, our future world will face even more pressure,
Co., Ltd.) led her to learn about the eri silk pupae and food innovations will be needed to ensure sufficient food supply. Considering the
almost 10 years ago. “Most people know about production procedure that ranges from farming to final products ready for consumption,
mulberry silk pupae that feed on mulberry leaves, insects are more competitive in terms of their shorter life cycle. They are a better source
but eri silk pupae eat eri leaves, which are for faster protein production that can more rapidly satisfy the increasing demand in
actually castor plant leaves. The origin of this comparison with other types of meat, which require a lot more time.
silk pupae is India, but thanks to a development Kokoonic’s products include eri-silk pupae protein powder, which comes in many forms
project initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the such as meal replacement, drinking powder similar to whey protein (Bold), and crunchy
Queen Mother, eri silk pupae have been snack (Eri rocket). Khun Ploy commented that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kokoonic
successfully familiarized with the consumption developed a series of new products that are now waiting for an opportune moment to be
of cassava leaves instead of castor plant leaves,” launched. The company is also conducting a study on sericin, which is a substance that
noted Khun Ploy. Cassava leaves are a biological is found only in silk cocoons and can be used for collagen synthesis. It was originally
waste churned out by the production of cassavas planned to be used as a raw material for cosmetics only, but Kokoonic is now studying the
because cassava producers only care about its possibility of turning sericin into a consumable product as Kokoonic’s research showed
roots. Since this issue aligns with some of that human body can synthesize collagen from its intake as well. Nevertheless, more
Kokoonic’s main objectives: environmental innovations from Kokoonic are yet to be seen.
protection and income distribution to eri silk
pupae and cassava farmers, Khun Ploy
undertook a big challenge to pioneer the
integrated farming project for eri silk pupae to
manufacture high-quality silk pupae-based
products.
The Origin of Kokoonic
Khun Ploy recounted that at the beginning of her
journey on this path, she must find a way to turn
eri silk pupae into any product that would reflect
her aim, which was to support local farmers.
Eventually, she decided to convert eri silk pupae
into the future food because, in addition to
securing a new business opportunity, she would
be able to help create the environmental
sustainability. Environmentally sensitive eri silk
pupae cannot grow in any polluted environment.
For example, if they come into contact with
cassava leaves contaminated with insecticide
or if the farmers who smoke cigarette or wear
perfume approach them, they will die. Consumers
can thus rest assured that the products derived
from eri silk pupae are toxic-free and rich in
essential nutrients, such as protein (which
usually makes up around 70 percent of the total
dry weight).
From Silk pupae to Future Food
Similar to the main problem that other insect
protein businesses are facing, the unattractive
appearance of the silk pupae poses quite a
challenge. Khun Ploy, therefore, needs to make
sure that her products taste good. That, along

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