Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

A biodegradable plastic solution using cassava tubers (peels, flour, and starch) to address plastic pollution by providing sustainable raw materials to plastic products manufacturing companies

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Cassa Degrastic aims to produce biodegradable plastics from cassava tubers, leveraging all parts of the plant including peels, flour, and starch. Our innovative approach not only addresses the critical issue of plastic pollution by offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics but also promotes the utilization of cassava, a locally abundant crop. This solution is designed to be used by plastic manufacturing companies looking for environmentally friendly raw materials. By reducing reliance on non-biodegradable plastics, we contribute to a cleaner environment and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

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

The primary problem we aim to solve is the environmental menace of plastic pollution. Traditional plastics take hundreds of years to degrade, causing severe environmental and health issues. By producing biodegradable plastics from cassava tubers, we offer a sustainable alternative that significantly reduces the long life of plastic waste in landfills and oceans. This approach helps mitigate the negative impacts of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Environmental Sustainability: Our biodegradable plastics decompose naturally, reducing the long-term impact on landfills and marine environments. Economic Benefits for Farmers: By using cassava, we create a new market for farmers, boosting their income and promoting agricultural sustainability. Health and Safety: Reducing plastic pollution lowers the risk of harmful chemicals entering the food chain, promoting better health outcomes.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our project primarily serves plastic product manufacturing companies looking for sustainable raw material alternatives. Additionally, it benefits cassava farmers by creating a new revenue stream and supporting local economies. Ultimately, the broader community and environment also benefit from reduced plastic pollution and its associated health risks.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-08-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

I have one partner and she is Benedicta Atsu Abla. Benedicta is a final year undergraduate student at the University of Energy and Natural Resources reading Electrical and Electronic Engineering. She is very passionate about environmental sustainability, and skilled in AutoCAD and Matlab.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/evans-asamoah-3a756b235?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

01.10 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 project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 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

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

2

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

4

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

5

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

We do not know of the names of the competitors but we have seen few biodegradable bags. We stand out because we use all the parts of the cassava which gives it an exceptional quality and makes it perform exactly as plastic from petroleum but this time biodegradable and compostable. Again, we will produce pellets for the plastic products manufacturing companies to make their products.

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

Yes, I'm a member of ENACTUS we we work on a lot of projects to promote female entrepreneurs