Zafree, a sustainable paper company based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is producing paper and packaging from banana waste rather than wood pulp. The company's approach diverts agricultural by-products from landfills while reducing demand for trees traditionally used in pulp production.
Banana waste, which is usually discarded, is used as a raw material for packaging, creating an alternative to paper made from wood. Since starting operations in 2018, Zafree reports it has saved over 500 trees, prevented 100 tons of carbon emissions, distributed one ton of organic fertilizer to farmers, and partnered with more than 20 banana growers. The initiative also provides seasonal employment, with over 100 gig workers involved in the supply chain.
According to Zafree, its banana pulp is suitable for both local and export applications in the packaging industry. The company has established partnerships with farmers in Ethiopia to secure raw material supply, providing an additional income stream for growers in the region.
The company's founder, Bethelhem Dejene Abebe, was recognized with the Founder of the Year award at the Global Startup Awards Africa 2024. Abebe stated that the aim is to expand operations to meet growing demand for sustainable packaging in both domestic and export markets.
Globally, paper demand continues to contribute to deforestation and waste. Business Waste reports that 456 million tons of paper are discarded annually, with around 26 per cent of landfill waste being paper despite its recyclability. On average, 24 trees are required to produce one ton of conventional paper, and five liters of water are needed to make a single A4 sheet.
Industry analysts note that shifting production from wood pulp to agricultural by-products such as banana waste could reduce both water and energy consumption while also addressing waste disposal from fruit production.
Source: The Cool Down