Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

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 Décrivez votre startup en détail

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 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

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 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service fourni par votre startup (au moins 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 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adresse le produit/service de votre startup. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

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 Quand votre entreprise a-t-elle été créée ?

14/05/2024

01.06 Vendez-vous déjà votre produit/service ?

Non

01.07 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires de votre entreprise en plus de vous ?

3

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

01.09 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre startup (compétences, expérience, 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 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

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

01.11 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre entreprise ?

Matériaux (agriculture, pêche, produits chimiques, matériaux de construction, conteneurs et emballages, métaux et mines, papier et produits forestiers)

02.01.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

5

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

4

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.04.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Éducation de Qualité'

2

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.05.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

5

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

2

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.07.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

5

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovation et Infrastructure'

4

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.10.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

3

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.11.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

4

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.12.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsables'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.15.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

3

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.17.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

2

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

06.01 Un grand nombre de clients utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire au nôtre.

7 = Tout à fait d'accord

06.02 Notre produit/service représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

4

06.03 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

2

06.04 Notre produit/service est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.05 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.06 Notre produit/service répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.07 Notre produit/service est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.08 Justification

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 Analyse compétitive

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 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes 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.