The Afri-Plastics Challenge was conceptualized to reduce marine plastics in Sub-Saharan African countries through innovative solutions and Kenyan company Chemolex was recognized for its bioplastic bags. The Canadian government and social enterprise Challenge Works identified the inventiveness of Chemolex's bioplastic bags, awarding £750,000 to the company that developed a bioplastic made from water hyacinths, an invasive species that covers Lake Victoria.
'Biopactic' is a sustainable material that can be used as an alternative to fossil-based plastics, all the while putting a widely available, and harmful, resource to good use. These bioplastic bags will help to bring balance back to the local ecosystem, contributing to conservation efforts while offering unique and eco-friendly alternatives to consumers.
Plant-Based Bioplastic Bags
Chemolex Makes Bioplastic Bags from Invasive Water Hyacinths
Trend Themes
1. Biodegradable Bioplastic - Companies can explore the creation of biodegradable bioplastics using locally sourced materials to address the issue of marine plastics and reduce environmental impact.
2. Sustainable Packaging - Businesses can look into sustainable packaging options like bioplastics made from invasive species to offer eco-friendly alternatives to customers while contributing to conservation efforts.
3. Circular Economy - The use of invasive species as materials in the creation of bioplastics can help create a circular economy where waste is repurposed and harmful biological materials are put to good use.
Industry Implications
1. Packaging - Packaging companies can explore the use of bioplastics in their products and invest in research and development for sustainable packaging solutions.
2. Environmental Conservation - Environmental conservation organizations can promote the use of bioplastics made from invasive species as a way to reduce environmental impact and offer sustainable alternatives.
3. Agriculture - Agricultural companies can explore the use of invasive species in the creation of bioplastics to repurpose waste and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.