Central / Mater Iniciativa
Biomaterials and an instant infusion made from cacao waste, for Central and its research arm.
R&D on cacao by-products. Peru.
R&D on cacao by-products
R&D on cacao by-product biomaterials. Lima and Valle de La Convención, Cusco, 2025.
As R&D project lead, we developed an initiative for Central, the world-renowned restaurant, and Mater Iniciativa, its research arm, focused on transforming cacao by-products into biomaterials. Between Lima and the Valle de La Convención in Cusco, we explored the potential of cacao mucilage by cultivating native bacterial strains to produce bacterial cellulose. From this cellulose we crafted biofilms, plant-based leathers and solid composites, showing that cacao waste streams can yield tangible, functional materials. The project culminated in a series of fully cacao-derived biomaterial prototypes, proving a viable upcycling pathway within the chocolate production chain.
R&D on a cacao by-product instant infusion. Lima, 2025.
Building on the first phase, we started a second round of prototyping: an instant cacao husk and mucilage infusion. Through density calculations and freeze-drying trials we formulated the final recipe for an instant tablet that keeps the full aromatic complexity of fresh cacao. This instant infusion is now making its way to the Central dining experience.
Cacao biomaterials, from mucilage to prototype
Chuncho cocoa harvest 
Cocoa husk drying 
100% cocoa-based materials 
Fieldwork in Cusco 
Cellulose samples from cocoa mucilage Cocoa cellulose bio-film 
Cocoa mucilage fermentation 
Cocoa biomaterial prototypes
In the lab
- Cellulose samples from cocoa mucilage
- Wild Chuncho cocoa
- Cocoa cellulose bio-film
- Cocoa mucilage fermentation
- Cocoa biomaterial prototypes
- Cocoa husk drying
- Cocoa bio-leathers
- 100% cocoa-based biomaterials
- 100% cocoa waste instant infusion prototype
Let's find what makes your guests come back.
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