At the 2025 Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show (TITAS), GrandeTex, a fabric manufacturer from Taiwan, officially launched its latest agricultural waste recycling fabric series — SECAO®.
This innovative series transforms cacao shells, a byproduct of cacao cultivation, into high-value, eco-friendly fabrics. The launch of SECAO® not only marks a significant milestone in GrandeTex’s sustainability efforts but also opens up new possibilities for eco-friendly materials in the textile industry.
Innovative recycling of agricultural waste
Taiwan’s favourable climate conditions make it ideal for cacao tree cultivation, producing around 400 tons of cacao fruit annually.
However, only about 20 per cent of the cacao beans are used in the production of economic products, leaving the remaining 80 per cent of cacao shells to become waste. Traditionally, these shells are either incinerated or buried, contributing to environmental issues such as the spread of pests and the emission of significant amounts of greenhouse gases.
As a Taiwanese fabric manufacturer, GrandeTex is committed to sustainable business practices and caring for the land, actively developing a variety of eco-friendly fabric applications. In response to the cacao shell waste issue, GrandeTex has partnered with its supply chain to transform cacao shells into reusable pellets using patented degradation and saccharification technology.
These pellets are then spun and woven into fabrics, resulting in materials with multiple functional properties such as breathability, skin-friendliness, and cooling effects. This successful development of SECAO® fabric demonstrates the high-value applications of cacao shells in the textile industry.
Driving a sustainable supply chain
In addition to advancing sustainable development, GrandeTex places a strong emphasis on building a robust and efficient supply chain. From the collection and initial processing of cacao shells in the cacao plantations to the final spinning and fabric production stages, GrandeTex has driven the entire supply chain to engage in sustainable practices, resulting in the creation of the SECAO® cacao shell circular supply chain.
Furthermore, through collaborations with other industries, cacao shell materials have been extended to applications in apparel and yoga mats, further promoting the use of sustainable materials in diverse sectors.
Reducing carbon emissions and promoting green development
The SECAO® series employs natural drying technology for raw material processing, replacing traditional carbonisation methods. This significantly reduces carbon emissions and lessens the environmental burden. Additionally, the fabric’s biodegradable nature ensures that it does not contribute to long-term pollution after disposal.
To further demonstrate the sustainability of SECAO®, GrandeTex collaborated with the Plastics Industry Development Center (PIDC) to calculate the carbon emissions of its Recycled Nylon SECAO® and Recycled Polyester SECAO® yarns. The results were independently verified, providing additional proof of the environmental benefits of the SECAO® series.
This collaboration not only highlights the sustainable advantages of SECAO® yarns but also reinforces GrandeTex’s strong commitment to sustainability, further solidifying its position in the growing eco-conscious market. Through such initiatives, GrandeTex continues to advance its efforts in promoting environmentally responsible solutions within the textile industry.
Multi-functional SECAO®
In addition to promoting sustainability, the SECAO® series excels in functionality. Using patented technology, GrandeTex has successfully transformed cacao shells into fibre raw materials. These fabrics not only highlight the sustainable value of agricultural waste recycling but also benefit from the naturally occurring amino acids in cacao shells, which enhance the fabric’s moisturising properties.
The natural characteristics of these fibres give SECAO® excellent breathability, while their cotton-like feel ensures they are exceptionally soft and skin-friendly. At this year’s TITAS exhibition, GrandeTex showcased its Cooling Series, further demonstrating the strong potential of SECAO® for both functionality and market applications.
Ongoing innovation, leading the future of sustainable development
As global attention on environmental and sustainability issues continues to grow, GrandeTex will further strengthen its relationships with partners and introduce more innovative products with sustainable value into international markets. GrandeTex’s Assistant Manager, Mr Hsieh stated, “The SECAO® series not only showcases our expertise in the fabric industry but also demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and caring for the land.”
GrandeTex firmly believes that continuous innovation and strong collaboration will establish sustainable development as a core value of the company, paving the way for a better future for generations to come.
Learn more about SECAO®: https://www.grandetex.com.tw/service/SECAO
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