Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Bana's mission is to change the paper production industry by repurposing discarded banana stems into high-quality paper products, thereby addressing waste management and environmental conservation by reducing reliance on wood pulp.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Bana focuses on sustainability and eco-friendliness, offering innovative products made from banana fiber and waste. Bana operates a zero-waste, circular economy model, addressing the rising demand for sustainable products. The start-up provides significant social and environmental benefits, has strong growth potential, and can scale its operations efficiently. Additionally, Bana will be the only company in East and Central Africa producing virgin pulp, giving it a unique position to scale regionally and meet the growing demand in this market. These factors make Bana a promising investment opportunity with both financial and sustainable returns.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Deforestation is a major problem facing different parts of the world. Bana utilizes banana stems, significantly reducing reliance on wood pulp from forests, alleviating pressure from the two million trees cut daily for the purpose of producing tissue paper. In addition to that, the banana stems are renewable by-products of cultivation with abundant, sustainable supply. Bana's process requires far less water and energy than wood pulp, lowering environmental impact. The carbon footprint of a single roll of tissue paper made from wood pulp is higher than that made from banana's stem virgin pulp. Bana also repurposes 60% of banana plants often discarded as waste, preventing methane emissions from the rotting stems. The start-up caters to rising ethical consumer demand for eco-friendly tissue paper products, a road that is followed by most forward moving enterprises.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Economic Viability- By sourcing raw materials locally and utilizing an agricultural waste, the startup is significantly cutting down on costs associated with importing traditional pulp, such as shipping, duties, and exchange rate fluctuations. This cost efficiency allows for competitive pricing while also supporting local economies and reducing supply chain risk. Health and Safety- Banana fiber tissue paper is free from harmful chemicals often found in traditional tissues, such as bleach and chlorine. This makes it a safer option for users, promoting better health and well-being. Eco-Conscious Choice- Users can feel good about their purchase, knowing that they are contributing to environmental conservation. Choosing banana fiber tissue paper supports deforestation reduction, waste utilization, and overall sustainability efforts. This aligns with the values of eco-conscious consumers who prioritize environmentally friendly products in their daily lives.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Businesses- Companies looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional tissue paper can benefit from the cost efficiency and environmental benefits of banana virgin pulp. This aligns with corporate sustainability goals and enhances brand reputation. Households- Eco-conscious families and individuals who prioritize environmentally friendly products in their daily lives will find value in using banana fiber tissue paper. Its safety and lack of harmful chemicals make it ideal for sensitive skin. Farmers- Farmers benefit from the by-product of the tissue production process—organic liquid fertilizer made from banana sap, which is rich in essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, promoting better soil health and crop yields. Institutions- Schools, hospitals, and other institutions that consume large quantities of tissue paper can reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainability through bulk purchases of banana fiber tissue paper.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-05-14

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Bana’s team is a powerhouse: Faith Maina, with her sharp business sense, has steered multiple businesses to success and now guides Bana’s strategic growth. Anthony Karwe brings his experience from World Bank agriculture projects to optimize our operations sustainably. Lastly, Lewis Kimaru's tech startup expertise keeps us at the cutting edge. I am an environmental enthusiast who oversees our tech advancements, ensuring they’re green and innovative. I have participated in two Globe competitions for Climate Change. Together, we’re driving Bana to be a leader in sustainable pulp production, making a positive impact on Kenya’s economy and environment.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://biobana.netlify.app/contact , https://www.linkedin.com/company/biobana-ltd/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By sourcing banana stems from local farmers, the startup provides additional income streams, thus helping to alleviate poverty. This initiative creates jobs in farming, transportation, and manufacturing sectors, directly benefiting local communities and promoting economic stability.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

The startup's collaboration with banana farmers helps stabilize their incomes, enabling them to better afford food and other necessities. Additionally, the organic fertilizer produced as a by-product, is rich in nutrients which will improve soil quality and crop yields, contributing to food security.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

The startup promotes gender equality by ensuring equal employment opportunities for women in all aspects of the production process. Empowering women economically contributes to their financial independence and boosts community development.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

As part of our ongoing research, the start-up aims to incorporate the production of biogas, a renewable source of energy, as a by-product of the slurry residue that remains after extracting fiber. This biogas is intended to be used in the manufacturing and production processes to act as an aid to electricity hence cut down the cost of energy consumed during these processes. By being a clean, we will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and minimizes the carbon footprint, promoting clean energy use.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Bana will create a range of job opportunities across the supply chain, from farming to manufacturing and distribution. These jobs provide fair incomes and safe working conditions to the local citizens, contributing to sustainable economic growth and decent employment for all employees.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

The startup exemplifies responsible production by using banana stems, a 'waste'' product, to create pulp and subsequently, tissue paper. This circular economy approach reduces waste and encourages consumers to make sustainable choices, promoting environmental responsibility by inspiring customers to become eco-conscious.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By reducing reliance on wood-based tissue paper, Bana helps curb the disease that is deforestation and lowers greenhouse gas emissions such as methane otherwise produced as a result of the rotting banana stems that are more often than not discarded. The use of this agricultural waste reduces methane emissions, supporting climate action efforts to combat global warming.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

The startup directly supports forest conservation by using banana stems instead of trees for tissue production. This helps preserve terrestrial ecosystems, protect the biodiversity, and maintaining natural habitats for wildlife.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

2

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Bana's mission is to produce virgin pulp from banana stems, suitable for tissue paper and other paper products. The tissue paper is a tree-free alternative product that will considerably reduce the over 2 million trees cut worldwide for tissue paper production. Since our pulp can be used to produce a range of paper products, it will serve a purpose for thousands of companies in Africa and in the future, inter-continentally. Bana tissue paper will be a beneficious alternative to the wood tissue paper since it is an eco-friendly product that contributes to curbing global worming.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Bana does not have direct competitors now. However, an indirect competitor could be companies in the traditional paper production industry that do not focus on sustainable practices. Bana's competitive advantage lies in its innovative approach to utilizing banana pseudo stems for paper production, offering environmentally friendly packaging solutions and contributing to eco- friendly practices. By repurposing agricultural waste into high-quality paper products, Bana distinguishes itself by promoting eco-friendly alternatives and reducing the environmental impact of traditional paper production methods. This unique value proposition positions Bana as a leader in eco-friendly paper production, setting it apart from competitors in the industry.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

The startup is steered towards promoting the role of female entrepreneurs. The team is diverse in the roles and contributions that have lead to the actualization of the company. Two of the owners are female while two are male. The CEO of the company is Miss Faith Maina. Our employees and advisors also pool equally from both genders.