Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Transforming cocoa pod waste into luxurious, eco-friendly and organic soap, our project promotes responsible consumption and production, empowering African communities through sustainable practices and innovative, high-quality personal care products.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our startup, Chan-Tico, specializes in leveraging cocoa pod waste to produce eco-friendly market ready products like organic soap and bio-char. Cocoa pods, typically discarded in large quantities(7MTPA), are upcycled into premium personal care products, promoting sustainability in African communities. Our process involves extracting beneficial compounds from cocoa pods, which are then formulated into eco-friendly soaps. This initiative not only addresses environmental concerns by reducing waste but also fosters economic empowerment through local production and distribution networks. By integrating sustainable practices with innovative product development, Chan-Tico aims to redefine the beauty industry's approach to waste management while promoting responsible consumption and production. It's true social impact lies in it's value chain, where women and the youth are engage along every vantage point, right from the drying of the pods to the packaging of the soap.

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

Each year over 7million ton of cocoa pods are lefts on rural farms to just rot in Ghana alone causing a significant environmental and economic impact on the lives of over 800,000 households living in African communities. Cocoa pods, after harvesting cocoa beans, are often discarded and left to rot, contributing to environmental degradation and posing disposal challenges. These stock piled cocoa waste breeds so much pest with decreases the crop yield of the farmers, leaving them no choice than to cut more trees and plant more cocoa so as to meet the high demand of the cocoa beans. Our goal is to promote circular economy principles and encourage responsible waste management in the beauty and personal care industry.

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

Our startup addresses the environmental impact of over 7 million tons of discarded cocoa pods annually in Ghana by transforming them into high-quality shower gels. This initiative promotes circular economy principles, reduces landfill waste, and mitigates agricultural expansion and deforestation. By providing economic opportunities to over 800,000 households in African communities through waste collection and processing, we contribute to local economic stability and offer consumers natural, organic alternatives that promote skin health and sustainability in the beauty and personal care industry.

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

Our startup's products are aimed at serving environmentally conscious consumers who prioritize sustainability in their beauty and personal care choices. Additionally, we target communities in cocoa-producing regions of Africa, where our initiative creates economic opportunities through waste collection and processing. By engaging local farmers and households, we aim to benefit over 800,000 families who rely on cocoa farming for their livelihoods, offering them a sustainable way to manage cocoa waste and improve their economic stability.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-05-20

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

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.)

Appleonia Osei-Bonsu and Daniel Osei-Bonsu, the owners of the startup, bring a wealth of complementary skills and experiences to the venture. Appleonia has a 8years experience in branding and skincare formulations She has hands-on experience in waste management and community development initiatives across African regions. Daniel, on the other hand, has a strong foundation in business management and entrepreneurship, having successfully launched and managed small enterprises in the upcycling industry. His expertise lies in product development, market strategy, and operational management. Together, they combine their skills to drive the startup towards sustainable growth, innovation, and positive impact in African communities with over 45years of combined experience.

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

https://www.instagram.com/luxpod_gh/#

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By economically empowering communities through the transformation of cocoa waste into valuable products like organic soap and bio-char. This initiative creates jobs, integrates farmers into sustainable value chains, and generates additional income streams, thereby reducing dependency on single-crop farming and enhancing overall livelihoods in African communities. As part of our social duties, we give back to the community bio-fertilizer made from the same cocoa waste in order to boost their crop yield by 25%

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Zero Hunger goal by promoting sustainable agriculture through the conversion of cocoa waste into valuable products. By reducing pest populations and improving crop yields, we help farmers produce more food. Additionally, the income generated from our products enables farmers to invest in better farming practices and improve their food security and nutrition. This holistic approach not only alleviates hunger but also fosters a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.

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

6

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

My startup contributes to the Good Health and Well-Being goal by transforming cocoa waste into eco-friendly shower gels, promoting better personal hygiene with natural ingredients. Our products reduce the environmental burden of waste, improving overall community health. Additionally, by providing stable income to farmers, we enable them to access better healthcare and improve their living conditions, leading to enhanced well-being for their families and communities. This comprehensive approach supports healthier lifestyles and sustainable environmental practices.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Quality Education goal by partnering with local schools and educational programs to raise awareness about sustainability and responsible consumption. We invest a portion of our profits into educational initiatives, providing resources and scholarships to children of cocoa farmers. By educating the youth on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, we promote lifelong learning opportunities and empower the next generation to make informed decisions that benefit their communities and the planet. This creates a ripple effect, fostering a culture of knowledge and responsibility that extends beyond our immediate reach.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

My startup strongly contributes to the Gender Equality goal by prioritizing the empowerment of women in all aspects of our operations. We ensure that women have equal opportunities in leadership roles and decision-making processes within our company. Additionally, we actively support and collaborate with female cocoa farmers, providing them with fair wages, training, and resources to enhance their economic independence. By fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, we aim to break down gender barriers and create a culture where all women and girls can thrive and achieve their full potential.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

My startup strongly contributes to the Clean Water and Sanitation goal by promoting sustainable production practices that minimize water usage and prevent pollution. By transforming cocoa pod waste into valuable products, we reduce the environmental burden on water resources caused by traditional waste disposal methods. Additionally, our commitment to using eco-friendly ingredients and processes ensures that our products do not harm water quality. We also collaborate with local communities to support water conservation initiatives and improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities, ultimately fostering healthier and more sustainable living conditions.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

My startup strongly contributes to the Affordable and Clean Energy goal by integrating sustainable energy practices into our operations and advocating for the use of renewable energy sources. We utilize energy-efficient methods in the processing of cocoa pod waste, reducing our carbon footprint and lowering energy consumption. Additionally, we support and collaborate with local communities to implement clean energy solutions, such as solar power, in our production facilities and encourage the adoption of these technologies in surrounding areas. By promoting the use of renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, we help create a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for all.

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

My startup strongly contributes to the Decent Work and Economic Growth goal by creating job opportunities in rural African communities, particularly for women and youth. By transforming cocoa pod waste into valuable products, we establish a sustainable business model that supports local economies and ensures fair wages and safe working conditions. Our initiative promotes skill development and entrepreneurship, empowering individuals to achieve economic independence. Through these efforts, we drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth, fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Our startup strongly contributes to the Industry Innovation and Infrastructure goal by pioneering the transformation of agricultural waste, specifically cocoa pods, into high-value beauty and personal care products. This approach not only fosters sustainable industrialization but also drives innovation within the beauty industry. By building resilient infrastructure for processing cocoa pod waste, we create new economic opportunities and reduce environmental impact. Our innovative model promotes resource efficiency, supports local economies, and serves as a replicable framework for other regions, demonstrating the potential for sustainable industry practices and inclusive growth.

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

3

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

Our startup strongly contributes to the Responsible Consumption and Production goal by promoting circular economy principles through the transformation of cocoa pod waste into high-quality beauty and personal care products. By utilizing agricultural waste, we reduce environmental impact, minimize waste, and promote resource efficiency. This approach encourages sustainable production practices and responsible consumption, reducing the need for virgin materials and decreasing the overall carbon footprint. Our model exemplifies how innovative recycling and upcycling processes can drive sustainability, create economic opportunities, and support local communities, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and environmentally conscious market.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

My startup strongly contributes to the Climate action goal by promoting sustainable practices in the beauty industry. We focus on reducing environmental impact through circular economy principles, minimizing waste from cocoa pods. By converting waste into value-added products, we mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and promote resource efficiency. Our initiative supports climate resilience in cocoa farming communities, fostering long-term sustainability and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

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

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Our startup contributes to the Life on Land goal by promoting responsible waste management of cocoa pods, thereby reducing environmental degradation and the need for deforestation. By converting cocoa waste into sustainable products, we mitigate biodiversity loss and promote sustainable land use practices in African communities. Through these efforts, we aim to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems, combat desertification, and contribute to biodiversity conservation, aligning with sustainable development principles.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Our startup actively fosters partnerships for sustainable development by collaborating with local communities, NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations. These partnerships enable us to implement effective waste management solutions for cocoa pods, promote circular economy principles, and support sustainable livelihoods in African regions. By leveraging diverse partnerships, we strengthen the means of implementation for sustainable development goals, revitalize local economies, and empower communities to achieve long-term environmental and socio-economic benefit

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

3

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.

4

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

Our startup introduces an innovative approach to utilizing waste from cocoa pods to create sustainable and biodegradable beauty products, which addresses the pressing environmental and economic challenges faced by cocoa-producing regions. This is a significant improvement over traditional waste disposal methods and responds directly to the need for sustainable practices in the beauty and personal care industry. By transforming waste into valuable products, we not only innovate within the circular economy framework but also pioneer a new product category that merges environmental sustainability with consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives. This innovative model is poised to set new standards in sustainable production and consumer awareness, distinguishing our startup in a competitive market landscape.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors in the sustainable beauty and personal care industry include established brands that focus on eco-friendly products and those utilizing natural ingredients. However, what sets our startup apart is our unique approach to sustainability through the use of upcycled cocoa pod waste. While some competitors may offer biodegradable products, our innovation lies in transforming a waste stream into high-quality skincare solutions, thus addressing both environmental and economic challenges in cocoa-producing regions. Unlike competitors solely focused on natural ingredients or recycling packaging, our circular economy model integrates waste reduction from the source. This not only supports local communities by creating economic opportunities but also contributes directly to biodiversity conservation and climate action through reduced waste and deforestation. Moreover, our commitment to local sourcing of raw materials ensures that we respect regional values and suppo

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

Yes. We promote female entrepreneurs through: Mentorship Programs: Pairing experienced female entrepreneurs with aspiring women. Workshops and Seminars: Focused on skills, leadership, and business management for women. Networking Events: Connecting female entrepreneurs with investors and industry leaders. Awareness Campaigns: Highlighting achievements and promoting gender diversity in business.