Papyrus Australia Ltd

Papyrus Australia Ltd develops patented technology that converts banana plantation waste into refined natural fibre and biodegradable moulded food packaging. Its packaging products include trays, plates, cup holders, egg cartons and clamshells. The process uses waste banana trunks from plantations as a renewable fibre source, creating an alternative to plastic packaging and packaging made from forest-sourced fibre. The company states that its manufacturing process does not consume chemicals or water. Refined banana fibre can also be used in applications beyond food packaging, including paper, furniture, building, construction and agriculture-related products.

The business was formed following research into alternatives to wood-based fibre and conventional paper manufacturing methods. It listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2005 and is commercialising its technology through partnerships in banana-growing regions. Its stated long-term plan is to establish a waste-management supply chain across regions of Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Papyrus operates a factory in Sohag, Egypt, and has been commissioning a moulding facility with the Egyptian Government to make banana-fibre cup holders. Once fully operational, that facility has a stated production target of 50 million pieces annually.