Rafaela Novais de Almeida
Daniel Nennig
Ethan Anderson
Jonah Ogunsanya
Winny Odhiambo
University of Guelph
Dominican University
Kenyatta University
Ruben Burga
Anjali Chaudhry
Yang Hoong
Romina Hosseingholizadeh
Mary Ragui
Keep this story going! Share below!
EcoBana has created new sustainable ways to address the sanitary pads problem in underdeveloped regions. They have used banana fibers to increase sanitation and sustainability in their product. By providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to menstrual hygiene, EcoBana is contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) SDG 13 (Climate Action) SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The company has been dedicated to increasing period power and empowering women.
EcoBana, a Kenyan startup, emerged in the 2022 Hult Prize, a global competition for social entrepreneurs. Founded by four university students, the company has a dual mission: addressing period poverty and combating environmental pollution. According to Keylie Ogola, CEO and Founder, "The idea came from coming to charitable organizations and realizing that they did not have the resources to provide menstrual hygiene products for girls in such early stages." Ecobana's innovative solution involves crafting biodegradable sanitary pads from banana fibers, a natural material extracted from banana plant pseudo stems.
The production process is meticulous. The banana fibers undergoes a journey, cut into small pieces and boiled with water and sodium hydroxide for an hour. The resulting mixture is then cooled, forming a thin, versatile sheet that becomes the core material for the pads. These pads consist of two layers, featuring an inner waterproof fiber and an outer absorbent fiber.
EcoBana's impact is not confined to product innovation; it extends to its environmental ethos. The pads are compostable, aligning with the company's commitment to eco-friendly disposal practices. Having successfully launched its products in Kenya and Egypt, EcoBana now has its sights set on expansion, with plans to reach other African countries. Their overarching vision is to foster a circular economy, reducing waste and empowering rural communities.
EcoBana's story is a testament to the potential of socially conscious entrepreneurship, where innovation meets a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Through their banana fiber sanitary pads, EcoBana exemplifies a sustainable and impactful approach to addressing critical challenges in both women's health and environmental sustainability.
Ecobana's Mission and Vision
Ecobana's journey started with a humble mission to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and distribute sanitary pads to women in their local communities. However, the visionary minds behind Ecobana, led by Ms. Ogala, aspired to elevate their impact beyond mere distribution. They envisioned creating their own eco-friendly sanitary pads to address both societal and environmental concerns. Ms. Ogala articulated their ambitious goal, expressing her belief that by producing their own sanitary pads, they could "simultaneously tackle multiple issues and make these essential products more accessible". Determined to align their mission with sustainability, Ecobana embarked on thorough research to identify biodegradable materials for their sanitary pads. The breakthrough came when they discovered the versatility of banana fiber. The choice was rooted in the abundance of bananas in Kenya, making it a locally sustainable and eco-friendly option. The genesis of this idea stemmed from their encounters with charitable organizations struggling to provide menstrual hygiene products to girls in their early stages, sparking a realization of the need for a more comprehensive solution. Thus, armed with purpose and the eco-friendly potential of banana fiber, Ecobana set out on a transformative journey to revolutionize menstrual hygiene in their communities.
Ecobabana is a company that is dedicating itself to stopping plastic manufacturing in sanitary pads but rather uses banana fibers as a substitute. The reason that Ecobana is using this substitute is because of the biodegradable aspect allowing these new pads to be both safe and sustainable.
Nowadays the company has a very positive impact on the environment. They are reducing both plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions. This will have a large impact on the environment in the long term by keeping out these hurtful materials in our environment. Also, the individuals who are using these products are treating their bodies with more natural substances keeping less unknown substances away.
The business model using banana fibers also opens up a new industry in banana farming. As previously stated, bananas are one of the most harvested food products in Kenya. This can impact the communities allowing for more opportunities for poverty to decrease in the area. Ecobana is an inspiring company that is making a difference in the world.
EcoBana's revolutionary technique not only revolutionizes menstruation hygiene but also has huge business implications. The immediate economic benefit is apparent in job creation, as increased demand for banana fibers leads to more work possibilities in agricultural regions. The initiative employs over 1000 people. Metrics demonstrate a significant increase in EcoBana's market share, demonstrating a clear relationship between innovation and market growth in the eco-friendly sanitary product industry.
When seen in the long run, the economic resilience of communities stands out. Diversification of the agricultural sector, enabled by demand for banana fibers, not only strengthens but also insulates local economies from economic swings. This diversification is a deliberate step that will help to ensure long-term growth and stability. Furthermore, the transition towards more sustainable farming practices, motivated by the demand for EcoBana's products, demonstrates a dedication to ecologically responsible production.
Sales figures (20% increase in revenue since implementing sustainable practices) provide clear evidence of the increased market demand for EcoBana's feminine hygiene products, establishing a solid link between innovation and consumer preference for eco-friendly options. Environmental metrics, including reduced waste and carbon footprint, serve as tangible proof of the positive trend, aligning with the broader industry movement toward sustainable practices. EcoBana's business benefits extend beyond profits, creating a ripple effect that positively influences local economies and the broader landscape of feminine hygiene product manufacturing.
EcoBana's groundbreaking biodegradable sanitary towels represented a watershed moment in Kenya, unleashing a wave of quick and noticeable changes throughout communities. In the near term, the threat of plastic waste from regular sanitary pads was significantly reduced. This not only protected the environment but also protected consumers from harmful chemicals, giving a safer and more environmentally responsible choice for feminine hygiene.
The impact of EcoBana stretched well beyond their revolutionary product. Their humanitarian efforts enriched Kenyan society by empowering women, assisting refugees, and cultivating young businesses. The organization promoted economic inclusion via collaborative programs that provided possibilities for skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship. Their activities had a beneficial social impact on local communities, demonstrating their commitment to inclusion and elevating marginalized groups.
As the pages of EcobBana's story turned, the long-term consequences of their creation revealed themselves, promising long-term and revolutionary change. The environmentally conscious product originated as a defender of ecosystem health, mitigating the long-term damage caused by non-biodegradable garbage. A Harvard Business School research reaffirmed their pledge, indicating a 50% reduction in the company's carbon impact.
Consumer response confirmed EcoBana's success, with positive reviews complimenting the efficacy and comfort of their biodegradable sanitary towels. EcoBana's revolutionary invention spread positive change throughout agricultural communities and the industry, paving the path for a more sustainable and resilient future. EcoBana's narrative evolved into one of creativity, influence, and a constant dedication to crafting a better, greener world.
Get stories of positive business innovations from around the world delivered right to your inbox.
EcoBana has come up with a new way of being sustainable. Formed in Kenya, Africa, EcoBana has worked together with women and refugees to produce biodegradable and hygienic sustainable towels made from banana fibers. EcoBana is taking the initiative to create less period poverty and to share powerful experiences to raise awareness for a safe and healthy future.
