Meet Steven Kaikai, a local entrepreneur turning banana stems into biodegradable paper in his backyard in Port Moresby.
Together with his family, Steven recently launched a small business ‘Starjel Natfiber Paper’ after completing a Pacifund Biz Launch challenge supported by the Australian Government.
The biodegradable paper is used to make paper bags, business card holders and envelopes.
In Steven’s Mekeo community in Central Province, banana is a staple crop used for household food and income generation and plays a role in communal ceremonies such as feasts, traditional marriage ceremonies and funerals.
“Once banana is harvested, the plant doesn’t grow back or bear fruit again. The stem is cut and left in the garden to decompose and, according to research, it releases methane gas, which is not good for the environment. We recycle the stem and use all the fibres to make banana paper bags,” Steven said.
“If my business flourishes, we will provide an additional income source for banana farmers in rural communities,” said Steven.
Steven was one of 15 finalists in the 2023 Lily Magazine Homemade Competition, who went on to complete the Biz Launch challenge. Australia supports both the Homemade Competition and the subsequent Biz Launch challenge to support small business start-up.
Australia is proud to support such innovative entrepreneurs like Steven who are leading the way in promoting biodegradable waste management and sustainable consumption.
“I take ownership of recycling because there is no other place like earth. In my backyard, my kids don’t throw away plastic or containers and I ban my kids from burning rubbish. I’m always cautious about the environment,” he said.
Steven Kaikai and daughter Shabana display washed pulp from a banana stem, which is used to make the paper bags.
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