Almond Shells

 

ALMOND SHELLS

As the protective shell for the almond, almond shells are produced in large quantities in the growing areas during the harvest and processing of the almonds.

Despite the inevitable occurrence of almond shells, almond shells are not waste, but an interesting raw material, especially for the circular economy that is currently forming.

There is no competition to food production and therefore the shell can be used as a raw material for cosmetics or technical applications, typically as almond shell flour or almond shell powder in different grain sizes.

We’ll try to inspire you a little below. Perhaps we will succeed in enriching you with food for thought for your application and broadening the raw material base.

PROPERTIES OF ALMOND SHELLS

Almond shells have some interesting characteristics that can be exciting for different fields of application.

  • Yellowish to brownish color
  • Cellulose content – 37 – 39%
  • Hemicellulose content – 27-29%
  • Lignin content – 28-30%
  • Other ingredients
    • Terpenes
    • Phenols
    • Phlobaphene & Tannins
    • Waxes & resins
  • Higher thermal stability compared to other shells – flash point> 100 ° C
  • Biodegradable
APPLICATIONS OF ALMOND SHELLS
If you look at the properties of almond shells or the powders and flours made from them, the use in a variety of industries is conceivable. Almond shells can be used as a sustainable raw material in recipes and mixtures and, in addition to the filler potential, create additional value.

PLASTIC INDUSTRY

For almond shells various usages in the plastics sector are imaginable. On the one hand, almond shell flour could be used in compounds á la WPC (Wood-Plastic-Composites) due to its similar properties as wood flour. On the other hand, it can be used as an additive in bioplastic formulations (e.g. PLA) or increase the biogenic content in classic petrochemical plastics. The high proportion of lignin in almond shells could have a positive effect on the connection in thermoplastic compositions. In addition to flame retardant properties that are ascribed to lignin.
More details on biomaterials in the plastics industry can be found in this post.

COSMETICS INDUSTRY

Graphic: Alcohol extraction from ground almond shells
There are many conceivable uses for the almond shell in the cosmetics industry. In addition to being used as a microplastic substitute in peeling compositions, extracts from almond shells could also offer added value.
For example, various chemical compounds for cosmetics can be extracted from ground almond shells using benzyl alcohol.

FURTHER IDEAS

With a view to the properties of almond shell flour, many other fields of application come into question. Examples are the

  • Paint & lacquer industry
  • Resins & Adhesives Industry
  • Production of activated carbon
  • Polishing and abrasive materials

This will probably only be the beginning of many ideas about almond shells, as we are only at the beginning of the circular economy and many (crazy) ideas have yet to be tried out.

Our almond shell – your ideas

We are open to your ideas and are happy to provide you with advice and practical help with our many years of experience in the field of biogenic by-products. We would be happy to go the way with you and find out whether our almond shells are suitable for your application. You can be sure that we will also suggest alternative (organic) raw materials in order to find the best possible material for your application. Just talk to us.

Jens Ottmüller

Managing Director


+49 4102 – 891 38 43


jens@oamrecycling.de

Curious now?
We look forward to your call.

Jan Neuber

Proxy


+49 4102 – 891 38 44


jan@oamrecycling.de