MIT Solve

Solution Overview

Solution Name

Green Paper packaging bag

One-line solution summary.

Waste banana trunk once converted through the Fibertext technology, can be used as a natural replacement for single-use plastic food packaging, bioplastic feedstock, fertilizers and other agricultural products.

Elevator pitch

What is your solution?

The Fibertext process uses a renewable, biodegradable, natural fibre source – banana tree trunk – that is fully sustainable and does not contribute to the destruction of natural or purpose-planted forests. It is a chemical-free process that does not consume any chemicals or water during manufacturing. Time is coming for the green printers, in which only papers that are environmentally friendly or green paper will be used. Banana paper is 300 times stronger than normal wood pulp paper. Moreover, banana paper is waterproof and retains its integrity even when wet and has fire-resistant qualities. Since the paper does not burn easily this makes it suitable for use in the product packaging, One billion tonnes of banana stem can generate 100 million tonnes of paper. Apart from the safe utilization of stem, it will also generate additional income. It will also reduce the deterioration of forests, energy, natural resources, waste and pollution.

What specific problem are you trying to solve?

At present, the banana stem are dumped on road side or burnt which causes environmental pollution. Conventional paper use toxic chemicals, huge amount of fresh water is require during manufacture, it also generates effluent and landfill water is created, it also use maximum amount of energy, natural resources, which creates more waste as compared to banana paper.

Who does your solution serve? In what ways will the solution impact their lives?

The project targets the improvement of the lives of rural farmers. At present, the farmers only get a one-time payment from the sale of fruit the pseudo is left on the roadside. Providing an extra income to this underserved community through purchasing banana stacks to make green paper improves their livelihood.

The project ensures agri-circularity while at the same time saving the planet by preventing use of plastic packaging and wood packaging alternatives which contribute to deforestation.

What steps have you taken to understand the needs of the population you want to serve?

I experienced this need while I was growing and it served as my motivator towards majoring in chemistry and providing the solution. I grew up in a small town in Bungoma, Kenya just next to a factory that used to make packaging bags from wood and plastics. We were exposed to various fumes and deforestation which still has diverse effects up to today. I have done intensive research as well as tested the product to the potential users who love it and use it in day to day packaging

Which aspects of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?

Taking action to combat climate change and its impacts (Sustainability)

Our solution's stage of development:

Growth: An organization with an established product, service, or business model rolled out in at least one community, which is poised for further growth

Explain why you selected this stage of development for your solution—in other words, what have you accomplished to date?

I have chosen growth because fibertext enterprise has already researched, tested and produced green paper packaging . We have solved green paper to more than five communities around. More than 1000 customers have used our products with many returning and referal.

Where our solution team is headquartered or located:

Bungoma, Kenya

Team Lead:

Rose machuma Sikulu