Circular by design
Our raw materials are agricultural residues. Our products replace synthetic fibre. Our programmes build skills and income in the communities that grow the crops.
Our approach
-
Agricultural value addition
Banana pseudostems and pineapple leaves are normally discarded after harvest. We turn them into marketable fibre, giving farmers an additional source of value from every crop.
-
Plant-based alternatives
Banafine hair extensions, yarn and woven products offer biodegradable alternatives to synthetic, petroleum-based fibres in beauty, textiles and interiors.
-
Recycling biomass and textile waste
Our training covers products made from recycled biomass and textile off-cuts, including soap and charcoal briquettes.
-
Local jobs across the value chain
We employ Ugandans directly and indirectly in banana growing, fibre extraction, processing, product making and marketing.
Training and mentorship
Skilpack trains young people and women in banana-fibre processing, product making, leadership and entrepreneurship, so that participants can earn a living from the skills they gain.
Our programmes have reached communities in Uganda and other African countries. We also support university students researching banana fibre with professional guidance.
Working with farmers
Uganda is one of the world’s largest banana producers, and every harvest leaves behind pseudostems that can be processed into fibre. By extracting fibre close to the farms, we reduce transport, create work in rural communities and return value to growers.
We are building partnerships with farmer groups and development organisations to expand collection and extraction across banana-growing districts.
Support sustainable natural-fibre development
Partner with us on training, sourcing or research programmes in Uganda and East Africa.