NAIROBI, KENYA — Kenyan startup Zuripacks Limited is transforming discarded banana pseudostems into biodegradable packaging products, creating a circular economy solution that addresses agricultural waste, plastic pollution and pressure on forest resources.

Africa produces nearly 90 million tonnes of banana crop waste annually, with much of it traditionally left to decompose or burned after harvest. At the same time, demand is increasing for sustainable packaging alternatives as companies seek to reduce dependence on conventional plastics and resource-intensive materials.

Zuripacks is using this overlooked agricultural residue as a new source of packaging fibre.

Turning Banana Stems into Packaging Materials

Banana plants generate large amounts of pseudostem waste after harvesting. Although commonly discarded, these stems contain natural fibres suitable for producing paper-like materials.

Zuripacks collects locally available banana pseudostems and processes them into durable fibre materials used to manufacture:

• Shopping bags
• Food containers
• Cartons
• Other packaging products

The approach provides an alternative to traditional packaging materials while creating economic value from agricultural waste streams.

Supporting Farmers Through Circular Supply Chains

Beyond producing sustainable packaging, Zuripacks has developed a business model that creates additional income opportunities for farmers.

The company purchases banana pseudostems that previously had little or no commercial value, helping connect agricultural communities with the packaging supply chain.

To improve efficiency, Zuripacks is developing decentralized micro-processing units that allow fibre extraction closer to farming areas.

The model aims to:

• Reduce transportation costs
• Strengthen local supply chains
• Create rural employment opportunities
• Improve raw material availability

Growing Sustainable Packaging Business

Zuripacks operates at the intersection of agriculture, manufacturing and environmental protection, supplying sustainable packaging solutions to SMEs, retailers, agribusinesses and commercial customers.

The startup has reported:

• More than US$160,000 in revenue
• Over 300 business supply contracts
• Partnerships with 1,600 farmers
• Collaboration with 10 community organizations

The company has also received recognition through awards including the Circular Economy Catalyst Award and the 2024 Green Innovator of the Year Award.

Scaling Africa’s Circular Packaging Economy

Zuripacks was selected among the Top 10 finalists of the GEC+ Africa Kenya Regional Pitch Competition 2026, highlighting innovative businesses focused on environmental solutions and sustainable economic development.

The company’s long-term goal is to expand production capacity, increase its farmer network and introduce additional fibre-based packaging products across East Africa.

By converting agricultural waste into manufacturing inputs, Zuripacks aims to demonstrate how locally available resources can support competitive packaging production while reducing environmental impacts.

Last Updated on 22/07/2026 by Jota Machinery