Ethiopian Startup Zafree turns banana waste into paper, packaging

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopian startup Zafree is transforming the way paper and packaging are produced by replacing tree-based pulp with banana waste.

The innovation is already reshaping local supply chains while offering a scalable solution to deforestation and waste management challenges.

Founded in 2018, Zafree’s mission is rooted in tackling two pressing problems: the massive amount of agricultural waste discarded every year and the heavy environmental footprint of traditional papermaking.

Paper production typically requires cutting down 24 trees per tonne of paper and consumes five liters of water for a single A4 sheet, according to Business Waste.

Globally, more than 4 billion trees are felled annually for paper production, while paper waste accounts for 26% of landfill volume despite its recyclability.

Zafree’s banana pulp solution offers a zero-waste alternative. By diverting organic waste from landfills and converting it into packaging materials, the company reduces carbon emissions and conserves natural resources.

To date, Zafree reports saving over 500 trees, preventing 100 tonnes of carbon pollution, distributing one ton of organic fertilizer to farmers, and employing more than 100 gig workers.

The company has also established a new supply chain in Ethiopia by partnering with more than 20 local farmers, creating additional income streams in rural communities.

Its product portfolio includes kraft paper, liners, corrugated cartons, shopping bags, notebooks, and “Z-foam” pulp in different densities, designed for both local use and international export.

Bethelhem Dejene Abebe, Zafree’s founder and CEO, has been recognized as Founder of the Year at the Global Startup Awards Africa 2024 for her leadership in building a circular economy business with global potential.

“Our vision is to scale operations and meet the rising global demand for sustainable packaging,” she said.

The company’s innovation comes at a critical time. With 456 million tons of paper waste generated worldwide each year, the environmental toll of conventional production is becoming unsustainable.

Zafree’s model demonstrates how agricultural waste can be repurposed into value-added products, reducing pressure on forests and helping countries like Ethiopia build greener economies.

As governments and companies push for alternatives to single-use plastics and wood-based packaging, Zafree’s banana waste paper could position Ethiopia as a key player in the global transition toward sustainable materials.

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