Kiambu innovator turns sugarcane waste into eco-friendly products
Alice Muiruri, a 22-year-old innovator from Kiambu, is transforming sugarcane waste into biodegradable scouring and sanitary pads. Her Bagasse Super Absorbent project refines bagasse into cellulose-based eco-products, offering sustainable alternatives. Despite challenges in scaling up, Alice’s initiative promotes sustainability and income generation. She urges support from investors and authorities to expand her impact.
A young innovator in Kiambu County is turning agricultural waste into wealth through a groundbreaking project that transforms sugarcane byproducts into eco-friendly products.
Alice Muiruri, a 22-year-old student at Kiambu National Polytechnic, has developed the Bagasse Super Absorbent project, which utilises sugarcane and maize stalks to create biodegradable products such as scouring and sanitary pads.
Her initiative not only reduces waste but also offers a sustainable alternative to conventional products.
Sugarcane is a staple crop in Kiambu, with vendors sourcing it from local farms in Thika, Juja, and Ruiru.
A single stalk typically sells for between Sh50 and Sh100, depending on its size and quality.
However, Alice identified an opportunity in the leftover fibrous material, known as bagasse, which remains after sugarcane juice is extracted.
Her process begins by extracting juice from the sugarcane stalks, leaving behind the fibrous bagasse. She then isolates lignin, a natural polymer, and refines it into cellulose, which serves as the base material for her biodegradable scouring pads.
“The cellulose is treated and moulded into pads that are tough, effective, and completely biodegradable,” Alice explains.
Her innovation extends beyond cleaning products. She has also developed eco-friendly sanitary pads using cellulose treated with natural turmeric and mint, adding both antiseptic properties and a refreshing scent.
“The turmeric acts as a natural antiseptic, while the mint gives the pads a fresh scent, making them comfortable, safe, and sustainable,” she adds.
Alice’s project not only promotes sustainability but also provides a source of income for her and her team. The scouring pads sell for Sh50 each, while a pack of sanitary pads is priced at Sh100, making them affordable alternatives for the local community.
Despite gaining momentum, Alice faces challenges in scaling up production. Rising raw material costs, market access limitations, and competition from other eco-friendly businesses pose hurdles to her expansion.
“I hope to expand our product range and reach more customers. It’s important that local authorities and investors support this initiative to create more job opportunities and promote sustainability in our community,” she emphasises.
Alice’s Bagasse Super Absorbent project is a prime example of how innovation and sustainability could go hand in hand, transforming agricultural waste into valuable products.
As she looks to scale up, the support of local governments, investors, and organisations would be crucial in unlocking its full potential.
Kiambu County’s agricultural sector is brimming with possibilities, and Alice’s work is paving the way for others to follow suit in converting waste into wealth.
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Source : Kenya News Agency
