Baneco converts banana agricultural and fruit waste into sustainable materials, including bioplastics, fiber-based packaging, and carbon-sequestering soil enhancers. The company’s approach addresses plastic pollution, agricultural waste emissions, and the energy crisis by creating circular, compostable products. Using biodigesters and pyrolysis, Baneco also produces biochar that captures up to 2.5 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne generated.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Conventional plastic production and disposal contribute to environmental pollution, while agricultural waste from banana farming is often left to decompose, releasing significant greenhouse gas emissions. This dual challenge—over-reliance on plastics and inefficient organic waste management—undermines sustainability efforts in agriculture and manufacturing alike.
Solution
Baneco leverages banana agri-waste and fruit waste to produce a range of sustainable, biodegradable materials. The company processes waste into bioplastics—such as clear food wraps and carry bags—using the high starch and cellulose content naturally present in banana byproducts. Additionally, Baneco manufactures robust fiber-based packaging, including egg trays, coffee trays, cups, and plates, using the second strongest organic fiber found in banana agri-waste. Advanced biodigesters and pyrolysis systems convert residual waste into biochar, compost, and biol, which enrich soil and lock carbon for centuries. These processes prevent up to 1 tonne of CO₂e per tonne of waste while delivering a net-positive climate impact.
Target Audience
Primary customers are sustainable packaging manufacturers, food and beverage companies seeking eco-friendly packaging options, agricultural farms generating banana waste, and environmentally focused enterprises looking to reduce carbon footprints and adopt circular material streams.
Features
- Bioplastics production utilizing banana agri-waste with over 60% cellulose content and fruit waste with over 70% starch content
- Fiber-based packaging made from banana agri-waste, the second strongest organic fiber globally, suitable for existing rotary and thermo moulding machinery
- Carbon-capture technology using biodigesters and pyrolysis to convert waste into biochar, which sequesters up to 2.5 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne produced
- Generation of verified carbon credits through accredited carbon-sequestration projects
- Production of regenerative soil enhancers, including compost and biol, that improve soil health while supporting farmer economies