Hazelnut Shells

Uses, Benefits, and Industrial Potential

Hazelnuts are among the most widely consumed nuts worldwide, celebrated for their rich taste and impressive nutritional profile. Yet, for every ton of hazelnut kernels produced, nearly the same amount of shells is left behind. Traditionally discarded as waste, these shells are now gaining recognition as a versatile raw material with applications across multiple industries—ranging from energy and agriculture to cosmetics and food technology.

In a world shifting toward sustainability and the circular economy, hazelnut shells are no longer just by-products. Instead, they are becoming valuable resources for eco-friendly, renewable, and cost-effective solutions that can replace non-renewable alternatives.

1. Composition and Properties of Hazelnut Shells

Hazelnut shells form the tough, woody layer surrounding the nut, making up 50–55% of the fruit’s weight. Rich in lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, they possess the durability and strength of other woody biomass materials.

Some key attributes include:

High density and hardness → ideal for abrasive and composite production

Low ash content → perfect for energy and biofuel applications

Neutral color and odor → suitable for cosmetics and filtration use

Biodegradable and renewable → an environmentally safe alternative to synthetic materials

Their low moisture level (8–10%), high calorific value (19–21 MJ/kg), and resistance to microbial degradation make them especially suitable for industrial applications.

2. Energy and Biofuel Applications

a) Biomass and Pellet Fuel

When ground and compressed, hazelnut shells can be transformed into pellets or briquettes. These serve as efficient biomass fuels for heating systems, industrial boilers, and power generation.

Compared to wood pellets, hazelnut shell pellets provide:

Higher energy per kilogram

Lower ash and emission output

Excellent combustion performance

This makes them an affordable and clean fuel source in hazelnut-growing regions such as Turkey, Italy, and the Caucasus.

b) Biochar and Activated Carbon

Through pyrolysis, hazelnut shells can be converted into biochar or activated carbon, which are widely used in:

Water and air purification systems

Soil enrichment and carbon storage

Gas adsorption and filtration

Notably, activated carbon from hazelnut shells demonstrates porosity and adsorption levels similar to that of coconut shells, offering a sustainable option for filtration industries.

3. Agricultural Applications

a) Organic Mulch

Crushed shells make excellent mulching material, helping:

Retain soil moisture

Regulate ground temperature

Suppress weeds

Improve aeration

Unlike plastic mulch, hazelnut shells naturally decompose, enriching soil as they break down.

b) Animal Bedding

The shells’ fibrous nature and absorption capacity make them a durable, hygienic alternative to sawdust or straw in poultry and livestock bedding, reducing odors and bacterial growth.

c) Soil Conditioner

Ground shells can be added to compost or directly into soil, enhancing texture, microbial activity, and long-term fertility thanks to their lignin content.

4. Food and Beverage Industry

While inedible themselves, hazelnut shells provide added value to food processing in several ways:

Natural extracts: Rich in phenolic compounds and antioxidants, useful as natural preservatives and food-grade colorants.

Filtration: Their porous structure makes them effective, biodegradable filters in the production of juices, oils, and wine.

Sustainable packaging: When blended with biodegradable polymers, hazelnut shells strengthen eco-friendly food packaging and reduce plastic dependency.

5. Cosmetics and Personal Care

The cosmetics industry increasingly relies on hazelnut shells as sustainable alternatives to synthetic additives.

Natural exfoliant: Finely ground shells are used in scrubs, replacing harmful microplastics.

Cosmetic fillers: Powders enhance soaps and masks with gentle abrasive texture.

Activated carbon: Used in skincare for detoxifying masks and creams, absorbing impurities and excess oil.

6. Industrial and Manufacturing Uses

The durability of hazelnut shells makes them valuable in technical fields:

Abrasives: Crushed shells are used for polishing and sandblasting, especially in aerospace and automotive sectors, as they clean surfaces without causing damage.

Composites and bioplastics: When added to polymers, hazelnut shell powder creates strong, lightweight, and eco-friendly materials for packaging, furniture, and construction.

Boards and insulation: Their lignocellulosic structure allows production of particleboards, fiberboards, and thermal insulation, offering a renewable alternative to wood chips.

7. Environmental and Economic Benefits

Reusing hazelnut shells offers dual advantages:

Waste reduction: Transforms agricultural by-products into valuable resources.

Sustainability: Less reliance on fossil-based materials.

Energy efficiency: Provides renewable, low-emission biomass energy.

Economic opportunity: Generates new income for farmers and processors.

Local development: Encourages innovation and industries in hazelnut-producing areas.

What was once discarded as waste is now a high-value industrial material. Hazelnut shells have found roles in energy production, agriculture, cosmetics, and manufacturing, proving to be versatile, eco-friendly, and economically beneficial.

Their natural durability, biodegradability, and rich composition position them as a sustainable solution for industries embracing circular economy principles. As global markets push toward zero-waste production, hazelnut shells stand as a powerful example of how by-products can be transformed into innovative, profitable, and environmentally responsible products.

Hazelnuts Shell wholesale