Paper Mill
PROJECT ON HOLD | NOVEMBER 2023
We made the tough decision to stop the paper mill operations in its current form given the many challenges and problems we have faced over the past 6 months. That was a very difficult decision to make and the ladies who worked there took it very hard. We are now in the process of looking for other work for them. It will take time to find something suitable for them.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Sustainable Paper Mill Chitwan
Together with Nepali entrepreneurs Sunny Rajopadhyay and Dhruba Giri we are setting up a Paper Mill in Chitwan. In Chitwan there is an abundance of elephant dung and banana waste. These waste products can be used to make paper and address the waste problem at the same time. With the paper mill we will be able to create jobs for marginalised women from different local communities.
Packaging is a big challenge in Nepal; there is a high market demand for good quality paper and paper products. Banana fibres are relatively new and can be used to make paper but also many other products, like clothing, bags, and insulation material. Internationally we also see a high potential for these products.
During the start-up phase of the paper mill, the women will be trained to make pulp and will start with pulp making in Chitwan. The pulp will be sold to Ecoorb Ventures in Kathmandu for further processing and paper making for a period of two years. Concurrently, we aim to start the R&D phase to test ideas for product development with a high market potential.
Once the pulp making process has been fully operationalised, the women will also learn how to make paper and other marketable products.
Project Status
NOVEMBER 2023
We made the tough decision to stop the paper mill operations in its current form given the many challenges and problems we have faced over the past 6 months. That was a very difficult decision to make and the ladies who worked there took it very hard. We are now in the process of looking for other work for them. It will take time to find something suitable for them.
july 2023
Rinku, Binda, Goma, Sukmaya and Rita have started with enthusiasm and drive in the paper factory. They are working hard to make banana fibres from banana stems, which are then transported to Kathmandu to produce sustainable paper. These women have not only improved their skills, but have also been trained in safety procedures, enabling them to operate in a safe working environment.
By using banana fibres, a natural and renewable material, we hope to reduce the dependence on wood pulp and contribute to the conservation of forests.This is only the beginning of realising our ambition.
Safety first!
April 2023
One of the ideas for product development is to research how we can make washable and biodegradable sanitary pads from banana fibres. We will be working together with Ecoorb Ventures and DidiBahini.
With this project we will create impact on 3 levels:
Economic: Creating jobs for 15 women which will provide them with a steady income to support their families and communities.
Social: Building self-confidence and dignity by starting the conversation.
Cultural: Creating a platform and network to remove stigma and bias.
January 2023
The preparations for the paper mill are in full swing. The machines to make pulp have been installed. The final adjustments to the building and grounds are being made. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by all parties and we had an initial meeting with the women who are going to work in the paper mill. Sunny and Sushila Dhamala, the operations manager for the paper mill shared all relevant information and the timelines. The training programme for the pulp making will start in April. The production of pulp is aimed to start in April/May.
October 2022
Biogas installation
Together with Sunny and Dhruba we are working on setting up a Paper Mill. The biogas installation has already been built. All the necessary machines have been ordered and will be delivered in November/December 2022. Initially, five women will start working in the mill. Once the operation is running smoothly and we can scale up production we expect to be able to offer more women jobs.
Funding
We have raised 42,000 Euros to finance machinery and operational costs for the first year.
Objectives
The objective of the start-up is to develop a paper mill that not only employs underprivileged women but is also operated by them, providing them with the necessary skills and steady income-generating opportunities.
Founding Partners:
Project Partnership
Sunny Rajopadhyay will set up the paper mill, will contribute machinery and technical know-how and will facilitate the purchasing of all of the production exclusively through Ecoorb Ventures for a period of two years.
Dhruba Giri will provide the factory premises and will provide local level liaison and support to the paper mill.