Introducing world’s first incense made from upcycled cacao husks

Project Felicia has collaborated with craft chocolate maker VANILLABEANS has blended tradition and sustainability to produce the world’s first incense made from cacao husks. The product, named Cacao Husk Incense, upcycles waste from chocolate production into a soothing aromatic experience.

The cacao husk, a byproduct of chocolate making, is the outer shell of the cacao bean, separated during the roasting and grinding process. While cacao nibs are commonly used in chocolate production, the husks are typically discarded. However, Chocolate Design Company, the company behind VANILLABEANS, saw potential in the material. The company, which generates around 12 tons of cacao husks annually, launched its Cacao Husk Project in 2020 to explore ways to upcycle the waste.

Since then, the company has found multiple uses for the material, including tumblers made from cacao husks in 2022 and partnerships with breweries to create craft beers incorporating the husks. The development of Cacao Husk Incense, however, marks the first time this material has been used to create incense. The collaboration between Bridge and Blend, a brand that channels fragrances inspired by the Heian period, and VANILLABEANS, together with Moririn’s Re LABO project, brings this marriage of history and sustainability.

Cacao Husk Incense is a departure from traditional incense-making, which has never before used cacao husks as a raw material. While cacao beans have been featured in fragrances before, this product marks the first instance of upcycling the husks, which would otherwise be discarded. The result is a product that maintains the roasted essence of cacao while providing a soft, sweet aroma reminiscent of chocolate.

Priced at ¥2,200 per box, the incense is designed to reduce stress and enhance relaxation, thanks to the inclusion of theobromine, a compound naturally found in cacao. Each box contains 15 sticks, and the scent lingers for 30 to 60 minutes after burning. The combination of ingredients, including sandalwood, cinnamon, and cloves, enhances the calming effect of the fragrance. The product represents a step forward in creating environmentally conscious luxury goods that appeal to both eco-friendly consumers and those seeking a unique sensory experience.