Malawi - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Chipatso Eco Packagers is a plant based packaging company that uses sugarcane residues(bagasse) to make biodegradable packaging materials. Our aim is to reduce plastic pollution by introducing packaging materials that are biodegradable and sustainable.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Due to plastic pollution, Chipatso Eco Packagers introduced biodegradable packaging made from sugarcane residues also known as bagasse. The bagasse biodegrades in few months, and is 100% healthy as we don't use chemicals, instead we use natural binding agents. Secondly, it is also safe to be in contact with food, safe for animal/livestock consumption and very good for the soil as it adds soil fertility. Currently, we are on prototyping stage and will organising to introduce our products for market testing. Our MVP is the disposable lunch boxes. Thirdly, our byproducts are Sugar (made after squeezing out the sugarcane juice) and also briquettes (which is made from sugarcane skins) the remainings (bagasse) are what we use to make packaging materials.

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

We are trying to solve environmental effects of using plastics. It is no doubt that the properties of plastics are effecting our environment as well as leading to climate disasters. With the growing population, plastic consumption has also increased radically, putting a heavy toll on our planet. We, at Chipatso Eco Packagers, are introducing packaging materials that not only biodegrades in a few months, but also adds soil fertility when disposed off.

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

1. It is sustainable. Our products do not contribute to carbon emission, and they safe to the environment from the production stage to the consumption stage 2. Affordable. Since our raw materials are locally sourced, our products are also cheap to make, which even makes them affordable for our customers to buy from us 3.Biodegradable. our products do not take a hundred of years to biodegrade. Due to their natural state, they have been constructed to biodegrade in a few months 4. Our products are also safe for the environment. Once disposed off, they do not cause harm to the environment, instead, they add soil fertility 5. Lastly, our products add to circular economy. As stated earlier, from each sugarcane, we are able to bring out three products (sugar, briquettes and packaging materials) but even if the packaging materials are ready to be disposed off, farmers can use them as manure. Hence, making sure that there is no such thing as waste.

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

For now, since our MVP is disposable lunch boxes, these are our current target market, it uncludes those offering services or products to the consumer since we are a B2B (Business to Business). Retailers: Those selling direct to customers Restaurants/Caterers: They use disposable lunch boxes to their customers Hotels: They also offer disposables to those needing takeaway Education Institutions: School children are also our targeted audience SMEs: Small businesses selling food items as well as packaging items Event Organizers & Wedding Planners: At events, they always serve food using disposables Manufacturing Companies: Bakeries: packaging materials for their delicacies

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-12-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

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.)

Tendai S. Mahamba is a published author, artist, actress and entrepreneur. With over 6 years working experience combined with entrepreneurial background, she is a passionate person at what she does. With skills in sales, marketing and innovation , she is Chipatso Eco Packagers asset.

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

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555770134576

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

We outsource our raw materials (sugarcane) as well as some of the machines (sugarcane squeezer) from our local citizens. This means our project is creating job opportunities and supporting local businesses.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our products biodegrade, contributing to soil fertility. When soil is fertile, crops grow well and people harvest more, hence our project is contributing to the zero hunger goal by contributing to soil fertility.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

While others use chemicals which are harmful, our products use natural binding projects to keep the baggase intact. From harvest, peeling, squeezing to moulding, our project does not use any chemicals at any stage. Hence even in contact of food, our products are healthy and safe.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

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

Our aim is to reduce and eradicate plastic pollution in our country. Most plastic waste ends up in landfills, rivers and lakes, leaving them contaminated and affecting the sanitation of people. By reducing plastic waste, we are helping with the sanitation and access to clean water.

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

one of our byproducts are briquettes which are made from sugarcane skins. These briquettes offer clean energy as they are safe for the environment and they are healthy since they don't emit poisonous gases like regular charcoal. So yes, our project strongly contributes to clean energy.

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

Chipatso Eco Packagers contributes significantly to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by creating job opportunities and promoting employment for people in the community. This not only reduces unemployment but also enables individuals to earn a stable income, improving their overall well-being and economic security. Additionally, Chipatso's focus on local sourcing and production contributes to the growth of the local economy. By keeping resources and wealth within the community, Chipatso helps to stimulate economic development and reduce reliance on external resources. This approach enables the local economy to thrive, creating a positive impact on the community.

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 project involves developing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions that reduce waste and promote eco-friendliness. This innovation drives industry growth and competitiveness, setting a high standard for responsible practices.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

We contribute to sustainable cities and communities by producing eco-friendly packaging solutions that reduce waste and promote sustainable consumption and production patterns. Secondly, by encouraging responsible waste management practices, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. Lastly, we are also creating initiatives to partner with local communities to promote education and awareness about sustainable living and environmental conservation.

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

Firstly, designing and producing sustainable packaging solutions that reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. Secondly, encouraging the use of recycled materials and biodegradable alternatives to traditional packaging materials. Thirdly, implementing efficient production processes that minimize waste and reduce energy consumption.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

We are reducing greenhouse gas emissions by producing biodegradable sustainable packaging products made from sugarcane residues. Promoting the use of renewable energy sources using briquettes. Implementing waste reduction and recycling programs by using every waste and byproduct in the packaging production. Educating stakeholders on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, encouraging collective action.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Our project is using biodegradable materials in packaging production to reduce plastic consumption that ends up in lakes, rivers and oceans. Our production process also does not contribute to green house emissions that affect the sanitation of the water and the livelihood of creatures living in the water.

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

First of all, we have developed sustainable packaging solutions that reduce deforestation and promote responsible land use through our briquette business. Implementing environmentally friendly production processes that minimize waste and reduce carbon footprint when producing our biodegradable products.

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

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

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.

3

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

5

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

3

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.

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

First of aLL, our MVP is disposable lunch boxes, these products are highly consumed in our country, from hotels, Restaurants even in small townships. This means this product is already on high demand and people use it everyday. Secondly, due to awareness, people are running towards using sustainable products which are not usually on the market in Malawi, this gives us an advantage for an existing demand towards our biodegradable packaging products.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our competitors are current plastic producers since they have been in the market for a long time, hence they have loyal customers and market analysis better than us Secondly, our competitor are imported biodegradable packages made outside the country such as China. Lastly, rising biodegradable start-ups that product paper packaging Our competitive advantage is that our products are locally sourced and produced, which means they are readily available, no need to wait for weeks to be shipped to. And, our products are also highly affordable. Our products will also be easily accessible to everyone no matter what class they are. Lastly, our marketing strategies will be intensive than all of our competitors.

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