Biodegradability isn’t just a buzzword anymore, African companies are building real, planet-friendly products that break down naturally, repurpose waste, and redefine what “eco” means.
From feminine hygiene to homecare and packaging, these firms are turning local biological materials into biodegradable solutions tailored for African markets.
Here are the Top 5 Biodegradable Product Companies in Africa:
— Kodu Technology (Ghana): Making biodegradable sanitary pads from banana and plantain stems. Beyond addressing plastic pollution, they also support smallholder farmers by sourcing stems locally.
— Hya Bioplastics (Uganda): Produces compostable food packaging (trays, boxes) from cassava starch and agricultural waste like sugarcane bagasse and banana stems.
— HyaPak Ecotech (Kenya): Turns water hyacinth, a destructive invasive plant, into biodegradable bags and seedling containers, helping both the environment and the local economy.
— Sneaker Lab (South Africa): Offers eco-cleaning products using “pro-bacteria” that break down dirt naturally; their formulas are biodegradable, and they use recyclable or upcycled packaging.
— Solubag Africa (Kenya): Innovates with a dissolvable biopolymer used for PPE (gowns, masks), carrier bags, and other items, these dissolve in hot or cold water in seconds and fully decompose within months.
More companies are joining the fold, but these five show how diverse biodegradable innovation in Africa has become, from hygiene to cleaning to sustainable materials.
This ranking is based on product range, biodegradability, local innovation (use of African biomass), and operational evidence as of Q4 2025, with data from company profiles, innovation-ecosystem reports, and circular-economy publications.
Image Credit: Target Recycling Services Inc
