Africa produces nearly 90 million tonnes of banana crop waste, much of which is left to decompose or burned after harvest. At the same time, demand for sustainable packaging continues to grow as businesses seek alternatives to plastic and paper products that contribute to pollution and deforestation.
For Zuripacks Limited, these two challenges presented a unique opportunity.
The Kenyan startup has developed an innovative process that transforms discarded banana pseudostems into biodegradable, tree-free packaging products, creating value from agricultural waste while supporting farmers, protecting forests, and reducing plastic pollution.
Its innovative approach earned the company a place among the Top 10 finalists of the GEC+ Africa Kenya Regional Pitch Competition 2026, where it showcased how circular economy solutions can drive both environmental sustainability and economic growth.
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Seeing Value Where Others Saw Waste
Bananas are among Kenya’s most widely grown crops, yet once harvested, the stems are often discarded despite containing strong natural fibres ideal for manufacturing.
Zuripacks saw an opportunity to rethink this waste stream.
Using locally sourced banana pseudostems, the company produces durable paper fibre that is transformed into shopping bags, food containers, cartons, and other packaging products. The result is a locally manufactured alternative that reduces dependence on plastic while avoiding the environmental costs associated with traditional paper production.
Beyond producing sustainable packaging, the company has built a model that creates additional income for farmers by purchasing materials that previously had little or no economic value.
Building a Business Around Sustainability
Zuripacks has positioned itself at the intersection of agriculture, manufacturing, and environmental conservation.
Its business model focuses on supplying environmentally friendly packaging solutions to SMEs, retailers, agribusinesses, and commercial enterprises increasingly looking to meet consumer demand for sustainable products.
To support long-term growth, the startup is also developing decentralized micro-processing units that enable fibre extraction closer to farming communities. This approach reduces transportation costs, strengthens local supply chains, and creates employment opportunities in rural areas while ensuring a consistent supply of raw materials.
The combination of environmental impact and commercial viability makes the business well-positioned to serve Africa’s rapidly growing sustainable packaging market.
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Growing Through Partnerships and Innovation
Zuripacks has already demonstrated strong market traction.
The startup has generated more than USD 160,000 in revenue, secured over 300 business supply contracts, and built partnerships with 1,600 farmers and 10 community organizations across Kenya. These collaborations have strengthened local agricultural value chains while helping businesses transition toward more sustainable packaging options.
Its work has also received national recognition, including the Circular Economy Catalyst Award and the 2024 Green Innovator of the Year Award, highlighting the growing importance of circular economy businesses within Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.
A Vision Beyond Packaging
For Zuripacks, sustainability is not simply about replacing plastic; it is about reimagining how agricultural waste can fuel economic development.
The company envisions expanding its production capacity, growing its network of farmer partners, and introducing additional fibre-based packaging products to meet increasing demand across East Africa. By strengthening local manufacturing and reducing reliance on imported packaging materials, Zuripacks hopes to contribute to a more resilient and environmentally responsible economy.
Its long-term ambition is to demonstrate that Africa’s agricultural resources can support globally competitive manufacturing while creating opportunities for farmers, businesses, and communities alike.
As one of the Top 10 finalists of the GEC+ Africa Kenya Regional Pitch Competition 2026, organized by Uzuzi Hub in partnership with GEN Kenya, GEC+ Africa, and NCBA, Zuripacks exemplifies the type of innovation the competition seeks to champion: solutions that tackle pressing environmental challenges while creating sustainable businesses with the potential to scale across the continent.
