Top 50 Compostable Packaging 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.

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.

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.

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.

The startup has developed a clean-tech recycling platform that utilizes a mobile application and smart scale technology to facilitate the recovery of recyclable waste through a network of micro-businesses. This platform enables efficient management of scrap materials and increases collection traffic, addressing the challenges of waste recovery and resource management.

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.

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.

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.

Foosh is a mobile application that connects users with local restaurants and grocery stores offering surplus food at discounted prices. The platform allows businesses to sell meals and ingredients nearing their best-before dates, reducing food waste and providing consumers with affordable food options.

Mylerz provides integrated last-mile delivery and fulfillment services using a scalable logistics infrastructure and advanced inventory management systems. The company addresses the inefficiencies in e-commerce shipping by offering reliable, environmentally friendly delivery options, including biodegradable packaging and vehicles powered by compressed natural gas and electricity.

EcoHotels.com is a hotel booking platform that plants a tree for every reservation made, directly contributing to reforestation efforts. The platform also allows users to donate a portion of their booking to selected sustainability projects, enhancing the impact of their travel choices without additional costs.

This startup offers a logistics platform that enables restaurants in Egypt to procure all necessary supplies through a single application, ensuring consistent quality, pricing, and delivery timelines. By streamlining the supply chain process, the platform enhances operational efficiency and profitability for restaurant owners.

Green Future Project is a platform that employs real-time data tracking and visualization to monitor environmental impact metrics for organizations. By providing actionable insights, it enables companies to enhance sustainability efforts and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

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.

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.

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.

The startup develops a recycling platform that utilizes geospatial technology, big data analytics, and IoT to connect waste generators with collectors and treatment facilities in real-time. This system addresses the inefficiencies in waste management across various sectors, including household and medical waste, by facilitating better resource allocation and promoting a sustainable circular economy.

The startup offers a web-based platform that digitizes the collection and sourcing of electronic waste, facilitating the purchasing of recyclable materials. This solution addresses the inefficiencies in e-waste management by streamlining the process for consumers and recyclers, promoting responsible disposal and resource recovery.

Solarbox develops electric three-wheelers specifically designed for last-mile logistics, utilizing sustainable assembly methods and a battery swapping system to enhance operational efficiency. Their vehicles address the need for eco-friendly transportation solutions capable of carrying heavy loads in urban environments.

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.

Khodar optimizes the fresh produce supply chain by connecting growers directly with markets, ensuring fair prices for farmers and reliable sourcing for businesses. The platform also transforms agricultural waste into valuable byproducts like fertilizers and animal feed, reducing waste and enhancing sustainability.

Jafife is a decentralized agri-food processing platform utilizing digitalized solar dryers to efficiently dehydrate food and convert it into natural ingredients. This technology addresses food waste and enhances the sustainability of the supply chain by promoting energy-efficient processing methods.

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.

Yo-Waste is a technology-driven waste management company that utilizes a digital platform to optimize waste collection and processing across Africa. By transforming waste into a resource through recycling and repurposing, Yo-Waste aims to minimize landfill contributions and promote environmental sustainability.

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.

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.

Supply.Do provides tailored supply chain management solutions that encompass packaging design, printing, and fulfillment, utilizing a diverse network of printing technologies across Europe. The company addresses inefficiencies in product distribution by offering a single-source solution for businesses, streamlining their workflow from production to delivery.

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.

VERMIFARM promotes sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa by providing access to organic fertilizer. Their approach aims to increase crop yields while minimizing environmental impact through nature-positive farming practices.

ReFood connects consumers with surplus food from local merchants through a digital platform, enabling the purchase of high-quality meals at reduced prices. This approach directly addresses food waste by facilitating the redistribution of excess food, promoting sustainability within local communities.

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.

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.

The startup provides solar-powered cold storage units and logistics services to reduce post-harvest losses in developing countries. By enabling farmers to store perishable goods effectively, the company helps increase their income and minimize food wastage.

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.

Coldhubs provides solar-powered walk-in cold rooms designed for off-grid storage of perishable foods, extending their shelf life from 2 days to 21 days. This technology addresses the 45% food spoilage rate in developing countries due to inadequate cold storage, significantly reducing post-harvest losses for smallholder farmers.

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.

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 provides last-mile logistics services through a network of self-service parcel lockers, enabling secure and anonymous package pickups for merchants and individuals. By eliminating traffic-related delays and address confusion, the service enhances delivery efficiency and consumer safety.

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.

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 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.

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 provides live Black Soldier Fly (BSF) neonates to biotechnology companies and businesses managing large volumes of organic waste. By converting this waste into protein and fertilizer, the company reduces environmental emissions and alleviates the strain on land and ocean resources.