The Good Roll Factory Ghana Limited (TGR), a subsidiary of The Good Roll Holding of the Netherlands, has signed an agreement with Innohub Limited that will see TGR becoming the first company in Africa to produce toilet paper from bamboo.
The agreement will provide Capital and Management Support services towards making TGR achieve this fate in the African continent.
A joint statement issued by the two organisations stated that “The Good Roll” produces and supplies recycled toilet paper which comprises 100 percent recycled paper. It is also without chlorine, dyes, and fragrances, making it environmentally friendly.
Nevertheless, the statement said the company is targeting a shift in the use of its raw material for the production of toilet paper to only bamboo.
“Being Biodegradable, Bamboo is the most sustainable alternative to wood; it is a type of grass, so there is no need to replant after harvesting”.
Bamboo toilet paper more sustainable
According to the statement, the sustainable production of bamboo toilet paper requires water and other materials to be collected, reused, and recycled. As a result, the statement noted that the use of bamboo for production will not only consume less energy but also save about a fifth of the water needed to convert wood pulp into the same amount of toilet paper.
Moreover, the statement indicated that bamboo is a raw material that is a much more sustainable choice for the planet.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of TGR, Mr Faisal Ahmed, stated that Ghana, the gateway to West Africa, has a lot of bamboo that could be potentially utilised without any adverse environmental conditions.
According to Mr. Ahmed, setting up the factory in Ghana would offer more employment and income opportunities for the youth in Ghana. It will also benefit the elderly women who are currently unemployed.
“In addition to all the factory work, a unique packing line for the toilet paper will also offer employment opportunities targeted at women over 40 who cannot find jobs in the current labour market”.
Cost effectiveness in the use of bamboo
Furthermore, Mr. Ahmed stated that by producing locally, the Good Roll will decrease the cost of importing the toilet paper into the country.
In line with this, the joint statement indicated that currently, Ghana imports all toilet paper brands abroad. According to the statement, Ghana imports more than $70 million worth of toilet paper currently.
The statement said The Good Roll was in partnership with the Good Roll Foundation building sanitation facilities throughout Ghana. The organisation also plans to invest in training programmes for farmers to produce bamboo sustainably and efficiently.
On his part, Mr. Nelson Madiba Amo, Chief Executive Officer of Innohub, noted that the company was excited to work with TGR. This is because TGR’s solution touched on the three cardinal points of impact; planet, people and shared prosperity. All these are very key in to the United Nations as captured in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nelson Madiba Amo revealed that Innohub is currently engaging various local and international investors for TGR’s rollout in Ghana.
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