Top 50 Bioplastic in Africa

Rethread Africa bioengineers Bacillus species to convert post-harvest agricultural waste, such as sugarcane bagasse, into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a biodegradable alternative to polyester. This process addresses the issue of agricultural waste disposal among smallholder farmers while providing sustainable materials for the fashion industry that decompose naturally and can be recycled multiple times.

The startup develops a synthetic biology plant architecture that utilizes proprietary hyper-integration algorithms and precision fermentation to create customized modular plant systems at scale. This approach significantly reduces the time and costs associated with bringing synthetic biology products to market, addressing inefficiencies in traditional biomanufacturing processes.

Kubik utilizes patented technology to convert 100% plastic waste into low-carbon, durable building materials, significantly reducing construction costs by 40% and CO2 emissions by five times compared to traditional methods. The company addresses the urgent need for affordable and sustainable housing and infrastructure in rapidly growing African cities, while promoting environmental responsibility.

Immobazyme produces recombinant growth factors for cellular agriculture using a modular protein expression system, enabling scalable and cost-effective solutions that eliminate the need for animal-derived products. The company also offers contract research services focused on waste valorization and downstream processing optimization, enhancing product efficiency and sustainability for various industries.

NewForm Foods utilizes cellular agriculture technology and proprietary bioprocessing to enable food producers and retailers to efficiently scale the production of cultivated meat and sustainable food products. By reducing capital and operational costs, the platform addresses the need for environmentally friendly food systems that do not compromise on taste or animal welfare.

This startup manufactures biomass pellet cooking stoves designed to replace traditional charcoal in Rwanda, utilizing a pay-as-you-go model for accessibility. By converting waste materials into biomass pellets, the company provides households with affordable, clean, and low-carbon cooking solutions.

KaFresh provides an all-natural, edible post-harvest spray that extends the shelf life of produce and flowers by 2-3 times. This plant-based coating creates a protective barrier to inhibit spoilage and fungal growth, reducing reliance on cold storage and chemical preservatives.

Bekia is a mobile application that enables users to convert their daily waste into a monetizable asset through a user-friendly interface. By facilitating the collection and recycling of waste materials, Bekia addresses the issue of waste management inefficiency and promotes sustainable practices.

Decentralized community-based commerce platform.

Farm to Feed offers a digital platform that tracks and manages food supply chains to minimize food loss and waste. By optimizing logistics and inventory management, the platform enhances operational efficiency and sustainability in food distribution.

Velocigro develops HYPERroots™, a custom growth medium designed for vertical farming and home gardening that provides essential nutrients for up to two months while biodegrading without clogging irrigation systems. This technology addresses the need for sustainable, efficient growing solutions that minimize ecological impact and enhance crop yield.

Ecobarter is a platform that tokenizes and transforms everyday waste materials into high-value consumer and industrial products, utilizing technologies like Reverse Vending Machines for efficient waste collection. By enabling users to recycle plastics and earn cash rewards, the platform addresses the challenge of waste management while providing sustainable income opportunities for local communities.

Kran develops nanobubble technology to enhance water efficiency in industrial, agricultural, and aquaculture processes, addressing the critical need for sustainable water resource management. Their customized solutions optimize production cycles by integrating nanobubbles, resulting in reduced chemical use and improved yield and quality.

Chitelix upcycles seafood byproducts into high-value chitosan and bio-ingredients using green extraction techniques. This transforms waste into sustainable alternatives for industries like agriculture, water treatment, and pharmaceuticals, promoting a circular economy.

This startup provides an AI-powered platform with advanced machine learning tools and algorithms to accelerate biomolecular design. It enables biotech companies to innovate faster and develop novel therapeutics by streamlining the design process.

Kaltani collects and processes post-consumer PET, PE, and PP plastic waste into hot washed flakes and pellets, significantly reducing energy consumption by over 80% compared to virgin plastic production. The company addresses the critical issue of plastic pollution by providing manufacturers with sustainable materials that support a circular economy and enhance traceability throughout the recycling process.

This startup manufactures high-purity battery materials by investing in beneficiation plants across Africa, ensuring a secure and responsible supply chain for the global market. Their focus on producing essential raw materials addresses the growing demand for cleaner mobility and energy storage solutions.

LiNova Energy develops ultra-high energy density batteries using a polymer cathode that eliminates the need for nickel and cobalt, addressing the environmental and supply chain issues associated with traditional battery materials. Their technology provides a sustainable and cost-effective power solution for the electric vehicle and energy storage industries.

GitLife Biotech provides a version control system for synthetic biology through its CellRepo™ platform, which organizes and secures data generated during strain engineering processes. This technology enhances traceability and ownership of biological assets by linking digital records to unique DNA Genosignatures®, ensuring precise documentation and compliance in genetic engineering.

Savana Pulp transforms agricultural waste from crops like banana, sugarcane, and corn into 100% tree-free virgin pulp for paper manufacturing, significantly reducing the reliance on deforestation. This process addresses the annual loss of 4 billion trees and the environmental impact of traditional pulp production by utilizing materials that would otherwise be burned or left to decompose.

Nyungu Afrika produces biodegradable sanitary pads made from organic fibers derived from agricultural waste, such as pineapple leaves and corn husks. This approach addresses the environmental impact of traditional disposable pads, which are primarily composed of plastic and take centuries to decompose.

The app provides users with real-time access to movie showtimes, exclusive discounts, and a streamlined ticket booking process through a user-friendly interface. It addresses the challenge of finding and purchasing movie tickets efficiently, enhancing the overall cinema experience.

This startup manufactures agro-processing machines powered by scalable solar energy, enabling off-grid farming through renewable energy solutions. By integrating Internet of Things technology, the company reduces reliance on fossil fuels and disposable batteries, thereby decreasing labor requirements for smallholder farmers.

This startup manufactures biomimetic adhesives inspired by the natural glue used by mussels, offering polymers like Poly Catechol Styrene for applications in coral restoration, ship repair, and medical and military fields. Their products provide clients with effective and durable restorative materials tailored to specific environmental and operational challenges.

The startup operates a plastic waste capture system that utilizes specialized devices to extract plastic debris from rivers, significantly improving water quality and reducing pollution. Additionally, it offers recycling solutions, rehabilitation of illegal dumpsites, and alternatives to bioplastics, facilitating the sustainable management of plastic waste.

Forested operates an ingredient marketplace that connects consumer packaged goods brands with rural forest producers in the Global South, utilizing regenerative agroforestry practices to sustainably source climate-negative and biodiversity-positive raw materials. This approach addresses the urgent issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequity by promoting forest conservation while enhancing the livelihoods of local communities.

EGAAD produces high-quality liquid organic fertilizer by recycling organic waste through anaerobic digestion and nutrient extraction processes. This approach reduces agricultural reliance on synthetic fertilizers while minimizing waste in landfills, promoting sustainable farming practices.

BioBuu Limited utilizes black soldier fly larvae to convert organic waste into high-protein animal feed and organic fertilizer, addressing the dual challenges of food waste management and sustainable protein sourcing in East Africa. By recycling nutrients from food waste, the company produces a protein-rich feed alternative that reduces reliance on environmentally harmful soy and fishmeal.

Dynalimb utilizes additive manufacturing technology to produce affordable prosthetics and orthotics tailored to individual patient needs in Nigeria. The company addresses the lack of access to quality orthopedic services, improving mobility and quality of life for patients with limb loss or disabilities.

Medicud has developed a single-use, ultraportable incisional negative pressure wound therapy device that delivers consistent negative pressure to enhance the healing of surgical wounds. This technology addresses the high costs and inefficiencies of existing wound care solutions, aiming to improve patient outcomes while reducing ecological impact.

Takataka Plastics employs advanced recycling techniques to transform plastic waste into durable products such as wall tiles, coasters, and face masks. This process reduces plastic pollution and landfill waste by providing sustainable alternatives to conventional materials.

Aspyre Foods utilizes molecular farming to produce affordable and indistinguishable dairy proteins derived from plants, addressing the environmental impact of traditional dairy production. By harnessing biotechnology, the company aims to provide a sustainable alternative that reduces reliance on animal agriculture.

US Specialty Formulations (USSF) develops custom formulations for sterile injectable pharmaceuticals and oral-mucosal vaccines, focusing on regulatory-compliant clinical materials for vaccine development. The company addresses the need for effective vaccine solutions against viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and Group A Streptococcus, facilitating the timely delivery of safe and effective treatments to healthcare providers.

ACBA Energy develops clean energy projects and services, including bioenergy and emissions tracking solutions. They aim to create accessible clean energy options and promote a sustainable carbon market.

This company develops biological technology for efficient and scalable recombinant protein production. Their platform enables clients to produce high-quality, cost-effective recombinant proteins locally, streamlining the manufacturing process for various applications.

The startup operates a tech-integrated solid waste management platform that offers services such as garbage collection and plastic recycling through subscription-based waste management plans. This platform enables businesses and individuals to minimize landfill contributions and enhance recycling efforts, promoting sustainable waste practices.

Vuma Biofuels produces biomass energy briquettes, branded as Sugarwood, from discarded sugarcane husks, providing a sustainable alternative to firewood in Kenya and East Africa. This process not only reduces deforestation by saving the equivalent of 25 trees per ton of Sugarwood but also offers a cleaner-burning fuel with higher calorific value and lower emissions.

The startup develops a sustainable agriculture platform that utilizes insect farming to convert organic waste into high-value products such as protein, oil, and fertilizer. This approach addresses food production inefficiencies and waste management challenges in Africa, promoting nutritious and profitable agricultural systems.

Hybrid Manufacturing Solutions develops a modular platform that integrates additive and subtractive manufacturing tools to produce finished parts in a single automated process. This technology addresses production bottlenecks by increasing output rates, improving part quality, and reducing manual input in industries such as medical devices and aerospace.

The startup develops clean cookstoves that utilize IoT technology and a precision airflow system to convert non-recyclable paper, wood, and agricultural by-products into biomass pellets. This technology enables commercial households to cook efficiently while generating micro electricity for small devices, addressing the need for sustainable energy solutions in cooking.

This startup manufactures sustainable feed products designed to enhance the growth and health of poultry and pigs, utilizing nutrient-rich formulations that optimize feed conversion rates. By providing affordable and convenient feed solutions, the company enables livestock producers to achieve higher yields while minimizing operational costs.

This startup develops sustainable farming practices using natural, non-GMO techniques and precision agriculture tools to enhance crop yields. By focusing on environmentally friendly methods, the company aims to improve food security for farmers in developing regions while minimizing ecological impact.

This startup produces high-protein animal feed through food recycling and waste management processes, while also generating organic fertilizer as a by-product. By enhancing the growth rates of livestock, poultry, and fish, the company helps farmers reduce feed costs and improve overall farm productivity.

SeaH4 utilizes land-based algae farming, biogas production, and gas-to-liquid processing to generate third-generation biofuels, providing a net-zero CO2 alternative to fossil fuels without requiring changes to existing engines or distribution networks. This approach addresses climate change and ocean acidification while creating sustainable income opportunities for rural communities in South Africa.

Recyclestack is an online marketplace that connects Nigerians with recyclers, enabling users to convert various types of waste, such as plastics and metals, into cash through a user-friendly mobile app. The platform addresses the challenge of waste management by facilitating the efficient exchange of scrap materials, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

This startup manufactures biofertilizers using composting techniques that enhance soil moisture retention, significantly lowering water requirements for small-scale farmers. By reducing irrigation costs and minimizing resource wastage, the company supports sustainable agricultural practices.

The startup operates a cell biobank that provides a diverse range of African species cell lines for the foodtech and biomedical sectors. This resource enables the development of sustainable biotechnological solutions that enhance biodiversity and improve global food security.

The startup develops mycelium-based fermentation technology to produce natural, bio-based ingredients for the food and beverage sector. This approach replaces environmentally harmful production methods with sustainable alternatives, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

This food-tech company develops protein-based prebiotics that combine protein peptides with prebiotic carbohydrates. Their products precisely target and promote specific gut bacteria, offering a novel approach to enhancing gut health.

Teliospace is developing a Circular Economy Supply Chain Platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency of supply chains in Africa, addressing the significant waste and inefficiencies that result in approximately $350 billion lost annually. Their TelioGreen Marketplace will serve as a centralized hub for sustainable commerce, connecting innovators and entrepreneurs to opportunities in the agri-food and sustainability sectors.