The 100+ Accelerator programme and Zafree Papers won both the Overall Winner and Commercialized Renewable Materials categories at this year’s Sustainability Awards. Their entry converts banana farm waste into corrugated cartons for beer packaging. We spoke with 100+ Accelerator partner Ab InBev to find out more.
You’re a winner in the Sustainability Awards 2025. Congratulations! Could you summarize your entry, in less than 50 words?
Zafree Papers transforms banana farm waste from over 20,000 Ethiopian farmers into 100% tree-free corrugated cartons. Partnering with AB InBev through the 100+ Accelerator, Zafree is piloting Ethiopia’s first sustainable beer packaging - reducing deforestation, cutting emissions, and strengthening local supply chains.
Why do you think the judges were impressed with your entry? Tell us about what is innovative about your project and/or about its impact on packaging sustainability.
Judges likely valued how Zafree combines environmental innovation with social and economic impact. By replacing tree-based paper with upcycled banana pseudostems, Zafree reduces deforestation, water use, and CO2 emissions, while generating income for 20,000 farmers.
In partnership with AB InBev and Hansa Beer, Zafree delivered Ethiopia’s first tree-free corrugated cartons - 500 pilot trays tested in Belgium, with 25,000 more in production. The initiative also creates a zero-waste cycle, where by-products become organic fertilizer. This dual impact - advancing circular packaging while supporting livelihoods - sets Zafree apart as a scalable model for sustainable packaging in emerging markets.
Finally, can you tell us about the ongoing development of your project, e.g. how your innovation/initiative has been received by the industry, or what the next steps are in commercialization/product development?
Zafree has established a pilot factory and is scaling to 100 tonnes per day virgin pulp capacity to meet demand for tree-free packaging. With AB InBev, the first 25,000 trays are being manufactured, while conversations are underway to expand across other beverage markets.
Globally recognized with awards such as the Seedstars DOEN Land Restoration Prize and the 100+ Accelerator Best Alumni Award, Zafree is positioning Ethiopia as a leader in sustainable packaging innovation. Next steps include expanding applications beyond beer packaging to wider FMCG sectors, diversifying raw material inputs, and scaling partnerships to replicate impact across Africa and beyond.
Next year’s Sustainability Awards will take place during the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht, Netherlands, 10-12th November 2026. You can find out more here.
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