Through Papyrus’ detailed research for an environmental substitute to plastics and wood-based fibre, we have identified banana palm as a renewable, sustainable alternative
About Us
Papyrus Australia is the developer of a world-first technology which promotes a circular economy, whereby it creates a valuable product from waste materials that would otherwise negatively contribute to climate change and our deteriorating environment.
The Papyrus patented process means developing and distributing sustainable alternatives to forest-sourced fibre and plastics is more than just a goal or a vision – it’s our reason for being, and a core part of our operation internationally. This emerging environmental solution can supplement, or even replace wood pulping for moulding processes using banana fibre. In utilising plantation agri waste, methane generation is significantly reduced and thereby we are contributing to a better tomorrow through:
- Producing useful products from existing agri waste
- Reducing the use and dispose of plastic
- Reducing deforestation by providing alternative to wood fibre
- Reducing the generation of methane
Agriculture & other land use is the second largest generator of greenhouse gases
Agriculture, forestry and change in land-use account for up to 25% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions
CH4 (methane) global warming potential is 30x greater than C02
Papyrus’ history
In 1995, Ramy Azer recognised that an increasingly stringent and regulatory global environment was a significant issue facing forest-based industries and products. Trees from both plantations and forests were and remain the primary source for the ever-increasing global demand for fibre.
With increasing scrutiny around sustainability, environmental and regulatory objectives, renewable sources of a variety of primary fibres are plentiful, including:
- cotton
- jute
- flax
- hemp
- kenef
However, secondary fibre crops which have historically been grown for their fruit, sap, seed, oil and leaves, providing fibre at relatively low economic and environmental costs, exist as well, including:
- banana/plantain
- sugar cane/bagasse
- cereals
- palm oil
- tobacco
As a young man, Azer had sold blank traditional papyrus, the ancient Egyptian paper made from sliced reeds, in Europe. With this experience and a strong environmental conscience, after completing a Mechanical Engineering degree (UniSA), Azer was awarded a scholarship by Adelaide University to investigate various manufacturing processes and alternative fibre sources that were readily available in Australia.
In particular, he wondered how, using conventional paper manufacturing methods, the paper industry could reduce its consumption of water, energy and chemical additives, as well as the toxic effluent released into the environment.
Undertaking detailed research for an environmental substitute to wood-based fibre, he identified the trunk of the banana palm as an ideal source of fibre.
Sustainable, renewable, abundant and available all year round, banana and plantain plantations cover more than 11.7 million hectares, with an average of 1,500 plants per hectare, in more than 160 countries – many of which are vulnerable and lacking in significant industry to support their citizens.
Developing a world-first technology that converts the waste trunk of the banana palm into products that support the paper, packaging, furniture, building, construction, agriculture and other industries, the Papyrus process uses a renewable fibre source that is:
- 100% sustainable
- does not contribute to the destruction of natural or
purpose-planted forests, and - does not consume any chemicals or water during the
manufacturing process.
Further, the Papyrus process is significantly more environmentally-friendly with lower production costs when compared to the production of similar products. Papyrus Australia Ltd was born. Successfully obtaining a series of government grants to assist in the commercialisation of its technology, in 2005, Papyrus Australia (PPY) listed on the Australian Stock Exchange with an initial issue of 20 million shares.
Papyrus Australia is now seeking to partner with organisations in growing regions around the world to roll out the technology to provide an affordable, recyclable, sustainable, and completely biodegradable alternative to the destruction of the world’s forests.