From plastic waste to edge protectors for banana exports
In Peru, the banana value chain generates around 410 tons of plastic waste each year, mainly from the bunch covers used to protect the fruit from environmental factors and potential diseases. After these covers can no longer be used, they are discarded, taken to a landfill, or even worse, burned, therefore polluting the environment.
The company Ecoban was founded two years ago due to concerns from various links of the value chain regarding plastic waste. It has aimed to provide a solution by transforming these plastic covers into edge protectors; a useful product that protects banana boxes until they reach their final destination. It is the perfect example of a circular economy.
Ecoban was created by Solidaridad, an international non-profit organization with over 50 years of experience in fair and sustainable value chains; AgroFair, a Dutch importer of Fairtrade and organic bananas, and the Organic Banana Cluster of Piura, which brings together associations of small banana producers. “The production plant required an investment of $200,000, collected by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Government of Peru, AgroFair, and the Banana Cluster,” says a representative of Ecoban.
Full article at FreshPlaza
FreshPlaza Special on Peru (May 2024)
