Ecovon

Co-founder/CEO, Ecovon

Isaac Brenya is the director of Ecovon, an ecologically-focused startup that engineers building materials out of sustainably-sourced coconut husk and sugarcane bagasse. He is a former finalist for the Switch Africa Green Starter Award, Adansonia project 2016, SAG-SEED Awards 2017, Tony Elumelu Foundation scholar 2018, 2019 One Young World Ambassador.

Global production of coconut husks waste has been estimated at 23million tonnes while Ghana is the 16th largest producer of coconut and it generates 750000 tonnes of coconut husks waste yearly but no proper uses for these wastes have been found up to day. Ecovon believe that there is a better way of making building materials. That is why we are focusing our energy on completely rethinking and re-designing how the new generation of building materials is made. Ecovon are developing sustainably sourced, newly engineered wood made from coconut husk and sugar cane bagasse, supplying the global market with a formaldehyde-free bio-based wood alternative that are better for people and planet.

In the green building industry there is currently no bio-based paneling board made from 100% natural bio based fibers without added resin (glues), let alone a 100% natural flame retardant panel.

Deforestation: The rate of deforestation in Ghana is estimated to be one of the highest in the world after Togo and Nigeria .At an estimated annual rate of 2%, equivalent to 135,000 hectares per annum

Waste: Global production of coconut husks has been estimated at 23 million tonnes, while Ghana generates 750000 tonnes yearly but no proper usage has been found yet

Urea formaldehyde used as synthetic binder in wood based panel board has health related risks such as cancer, leukemia, watery eyes, burning sensation of the (eyes, nose and throat), coughing, nausea and skin irritation on the end users or customers.

Ecovon will bring the first non-additive, bio-based, renewable wood product to market which is naturally flame retardant and anti-fungal without added binders (glues). The physical properties are better than comparable engineered woods on the market currently, all which use additives and heavy chemicals to reach additional flame retardant properties while reducing our CO2 footprint, deforestation and enriching the lives of locals in coconut and sugarcane producing developing countries such as Ghana. The board material has been shown to exhibit excellent properties, which are comparable with or even superior to commercial wood based panels. Our product is stronger and more durable, priced considerably less, and greener

Based from the analysis of data gathered, the binder less coir board has a bright prospect of penetrating several industries and markets, namely

• Construction industry
• Furniture industry
• Commodities export industry
• Coffin/casket production industry
• Automotive industry
• Household consumers

 Ecovon will generate wealth and employment/jobs for individuals in rural and urban areas of Ghana at the initial stages of the value chain, mostly youth and women, who will collect, sort and clean coconut husk and sugarcane bagasse for production. By the 3rd year of operation, Ecovon aims to create 100 direct and over 500 indirect jobs. The company aim to create a “new wood” industry from coconut husk and sugarcane bagasse creating value-add for the poorest rural farmers (Bottom of the pyramid) while reducing CO2 emissions and deforestation. Ecovon will also produce cheap alternative building materials for low income earners and poor rural farmers in the country.

With each passing day, the rate of depletion of forest resources has become more and more alarming. The alarming rate at which the forest cover in the world is depleting has raised serious concern of the impact on world climatic conditions. Fears and concerns on global warming have been expressed from several quarters as 15 million hectares of forest cover gets depleted each year and in Ghana it is estimated that on an average about 135,000 hectares of tropical forest being cleared every year and the constitution has banned felling of trees from natural forests to conserve tropical evergreen forests.

The tropical forest has a special role in the conservation of biodiversity which shelter 70% of the world’s plants and animals. It, invariably, influenced the local and global climates. Forest absorbs atmospheric carbon and replenishes the oxygen in the air we breathe. Forests regulate stream flows by intercepting rainfall, absorbing the water in to the underlying soil and gradually releasing it into the streams and rivers of its watershed. Tree roots enhance soil porosity, reduce compaction and facilitate infiltration. They not only meet the economic needs for food and shelter but the forest also forms an integral part of the culture and spiritual traditions of native people who rely on the forests for their way of live. Forests also give wide range of non-timber forest products such as traditional medicines and foodstuffs.

The major available replacement for wood products is plastic, metals and few other products. Coir, a byproduct of coconut and therefore, considered as an eco-friendly alternative to natural forest based timber. The coir wood can substitute logs and fuel wood, otherwise exploited from natural forests. The economically available volume of coir and its utilization therefore can reduce the pressure on natural tropical forests and contribute towards biodiversity conservation

One unit of coir ply with a production capacity of 40 cubic metres a day would be able to save about 22 trees per day which means 6,600 trees per year. Assuming that one such tree requires 40 sq.metre, then it would be 25 trees in one acre so that a coir ply unit could save about 264 acres of tropical forest in every year. If 10 % of coir fibre produced is utilized in the manufacture of coir ply, it would save about 8, 80,000 tropical trees per year which corresponds to 8,800 acres of tropical forests per year.

Coir wood made from coir fibre is an innovative wood substitute. It is a composite board and other hard fibres such as sisal and jute etc. and pre-treated plantation rubber wood veneers could be incorporated The diversified new uses of coir composite will save the tropical forests, increase rural employment opportunities and also promote agriculture leading to sustainable development.

The team comprises of four peoples who have in-depth knowledge technical process and also in business management and administration. Their details are highlighted below including their role

BRENYA ISAAC, Team Leader/CEO, holds BSc Planning from University for Development Studies in Ghana.

ALEX OBENG, Team Member/Technical Officer, holds BSc Mechanical Engineering from KNUST in Ghana.

MICHAEL OBANAH, Team Member/Finance Officer, holds BA Integrated Business Studies specialized in Accounting from University for Development Studies in Ghana.

 FOSTER OSEI, Team Member/Communications, holds BSc Planning from University for Development Studies in Ghana.

For centuries man was dependent on forests for his requirements of timber. Giant trees that have lived through several generations were cut down from the forests to meet the needs of mankind at different points in time. With each passing day, the rate of depletion of forest resources has become more and more alarming. The alarming rate at which the forest cover in the world is depleting has raised serious concern of the impact on world climatic conditions. Fears and concerns on global warming have been expressed from several quarters as 15 million hectares of forest cover gets depleted each year and in Ghana it is estimated that on an average about 135,000 hectares of tropical forest being cleared every year and the constitution has banned felling of trees from natural forests to conserve tropical evergreen forests.

Ecovon believe that there is a better way of making building materials. That is why we are focusing our energy on completely rethinking and re-designing how the new generation of building materials is made. Ecovon are developing sustainably sourced, newly engineered wood made from coconut waste supplying the global market with a formaldehyde-free bio-based wood alternative that are better for people and planet

• Ecovon was shortlisted participant in Switch Africa Green Seed Starter in 2016
•  Ecovon was also shortlisted finalist in Adansonia project 2016
•  Ecovon has made to the incubation programme of Ghana Climate Innovation Centre
•  Ecovon was also shortlisted in 2017 seed awards
• Ecovon has been shortlisted as finalist in  2017 MIT Climate Colab
• Ecovon has been shortlisted as finalist in Green innovation and investment forum 2018
• Next Einstein Forum Ci2i Finalist 2018
• Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur 2018
• Green Africa Innovation Booster  2018 Participant
• Creative Business Cup Ghana Finalist 2019
• UNDP Ghana Waste Recovery Innovation Challenge Finalist 2019
• DSM Resource and Circularity Scholarship Winner to One Young World 2019
• Finalists Med'Innovant Africa 2019
• Finalists of the ISC3 Innovation Challenge in Sustainable Building and Living 2019/20
• Think Beyond  Plastic accelerator cohort 2020

N/A

The use of coconut husks for the production of board material has a number of advantages:

• The method is sustainable and environmentally friendly. The residual material of the coconut is used in its entirety. It is a good alternative to wood and helps to prevent deforestation. During production, glue and chemical agents do not need to be added. Furthermore, the production is CO2 neutral.
• It is inexpensive. The glue that has to be added when boards based on wood fibre are made contributes to one third of the total production costs. Glue is not required to process coconut husk into board material.
• It can form an extra source of income for farmers in developing countries.

1. Cost: Reduced costs of materials, logistics, installation and recycling

2. Performance: Greater strength, durability and designability, frame retardant, anti-fungi properties over traditional materials

3. Circular Economy: Uniquely reduces waste and increase recyclability

4. Material Health: Does not emit harmful urea formaldehyde nor contain toxic binders or glues 

For centuries man was dependent on forests for his requirements of timber. Giant trees that have lived through several generations were cut down from the forests to meet the needs of mankind at different points in time. With each passing day, the rate of depletion of forest resources has become more and more alarming. The alarming rate at which the forest cover in the world is depleting has raised serious concern of the impact on world climatic conditions. Fears and concerns on global warming have been expressed from several quarters as 15 million hectares of forest cover gets depleted each year and in Ghana it is estimated that on an average about 135,000 hectares of tropical forest being cleared every year and the constitution has banned felling of trees from natural forests to conserve tropical evergreen forests.

The tropical forest has a special role in the conservation of biodiversity which shelter 70% of the world’s plants and animals. It, invariably, influenced the local and global climates. Forest absorbs atmospheric carbon and replenishes the oxygen in the air we breathe. Forests regulate stream flows by intercepting rainfall, absorbing the water in to the underlying soil and gradually releasing it into the streams and rivers of its watershed. Tree roots enhance soil porosity, reduce compaction and facilitate infiltration. They not only meet the economic needs for food and shelter but the forest also forms an integral part of the culture and spiritual traditions of native people who rely on the forests for their way of live. Forests also give a wide range of non-timber forest products such as fibres, resins, latex, fruits, traditional medicines and foodstuffs.

The major available replacement for wood products is plastic, metals and few other products. Coir, a byproduct of coconut and therefore, considered as an eco-friendly alternative to natural forest based timber. The coir wood can substitute logs and fuel wood, otherwise exploited from natural forests. The economically available volume of coir and its utilization therefore can reduce the pressure on natural tropical forests and contribute towards biodiversity conservation

 Ecovon will generate wealth and employment/jobs for individuals in rural and urban areas of Ghana at the initial stages of the value chain, mostly youth and women, who will collect, sort and clean coconut husk and sugarcane bagasse for production. By the 5th year of operation, Ecovon aims to create 100 direct and over 500 indirect jobs. The company aim to create a “new wood” industry from coconut husk and sugarcane bagasse creating value-add for the poorest rural farmers (Bottom of the pyramid) while reducing CO2 emissions and deforestation. Ecovon will also produce cheap alternative building materials for low income earners and poor rural farmers in the country.

Ecovon Plan for coming three years is to withdraw over 2 million kilograms of coconut husk and bagasse from the environment and use them to manufacture fibreboards and save an estimated 500 acres of forest (based on calculations by the Canadian Forestry Association). Coconut husk and sugarcane bagasse recycling also saves 2.5 kg CO2/kg coconut husk and bagasse hence we will be preventing 2,500,000 kg of CO2 emissions further mitigating climate change.

Ecovon is at prototyping stage and it needs an amount of $100,000 to start small scale production. This amount of investment will enable Ecovon to start production and also assist Ecovon to cover the time between first costs and revenue from sales. Ecovon will need and an investment of $300,000- $1,000,000 during its commercialization stage

Ecovon is at the prototyping stage and needs assistance in form of technical support/expertise and  joint venture partnership and collaboration from corporate or institutions to set up pilot facility,  as it is embedded in Ecovon belief that Collaborations = Innovation

• Ecovon was shortlisted participant in Switch Africa Green Seed Starter in 2016
•  Ecovon was also shortlisted finalist in Adansonia project 2016
•  Ecovon has made to the incubation programme of Ghana Climate Innovation Centre
•  Ecovon was also shortlisted in 2017 seed awards
• Ecovon has been shortlisted as finalist in  2017 MIT Climate Colab
• Ecovon has been shortlisted as finalist in Green innovation and investment forum 2018
• Next Einstein Forum Ci2i Finalist 2018
• Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur 2018
• Green Africa Innovation Booster  2018 Participant
• Creative Business Cup Ghana Finalist 2019
• UNDP Ghana Waste Recovery Innovation Challenge Finalist 2019
• DSM Resource and Circularity Scholarship Winner to One Young World 2019
• Finalists Med'Innovant Africa 2019
• Finalists of the ISC3 Innovation Challenge in Sustainable Building and Living 2019/20
• Think Beyond  Plastic accelerator cohort 2020

Ecovon are developing sustainably sourced, newly engineered wood made from coconut husk and sugar cane bagasse, supplying the global market with a formaldehyde-free bio-based wood alternative that are better for people and planet. The low medium density boards will be sold for $4 per 4ft by 8ft board and high medium density board will also be sold at $8 per 4ft by 8ft board

Ecovon will financially sustain it operations through the sales of coconut fiberboard in different sizes.

Ecovon are developing sustainably sourced, newly engineered wood made
from coconut husk and sugar cane bagasse, supplying the global market
with a formaldehyde-free bio-based wood alternative that are better for
people and planet. The low medium density boards will be sold for $4 per
4ft by 8ft board and high medium density board will also be sold at $8
per 4ft by 8ft board

Ecovon have received some grants from the following organization below

World Bank/Ghana Climate Innovation Centre = $15000

UNDP/Tony Elumelu Foundation = $5000

Creative Business Cup Ghana/NEIP = $2000

Ecovon is at prototyping stage and it needs an amount of $100,000 to start small scale production. This amount of investment will enable Ecovon to start production and also assist Ecovon to cover the time between first costs and revenue from sales. Ecovon will need and an investment of $300,000- $1,000,000 during its commercialization stage. Ecovon is looking for both grant and equity

Ecovon is at prototyping stage and it needs an amount of $100,000 to
start small scale production. This amount of investment will enable
Ecovon to start production and also assist Ecovon to cover the time
between first costs and revenue from sales

Ecovon is at prototyping stage and it needs an amount of $100,000 to
start small scale production. This amount of investment will enable
Ecovon to start production and also assist Ecovon to cover the time
between first costs and revenue from sales

Ecovon is at prototyping stage and it needs an amount of $100,000 to start small scale production. This amount of investment will enable Ecovon to start production and also assist Ecovon to cover the time between first costs and revenue from sales. Ecovon will need and an investment of $300,000- $1,000,000 during its commercialization stage

Ecovon is at the prototyping stage and needs assistance in form of technical support/expertise and  joint venture partnership and collaboration from corporates and instituions to set up pilot facility  as it is embedded in Ecovon belief that Collaborations = Innovation

1. Royal DSM

2. StoraEnzo

3. Veolia

Ecovon is at the prototyping stage and needs assistance in form of technical support/expertise and  joint venture partnership and collaboration from Royal DSM to set up pilot facility  as it is embedded in DSM belief that Collaborations = Innovation

The business objective of Ecovon thus developing sustainably sourced, newly engineered wood made from coconut husk and sugar cane bagasse, supplying the global market with a formaldehyde-free bio-based wood alternative that are better for people and planet  perfectly aligns with DSM, Veolia and StoraEnzo circularity approach to use renewable and recycled/recovered materials with focus on non-toxicity and health.