PROVOKAME

Produces 100% biodegradable plates, made from natural fibres and recycled paper.
2013 SEED Gender Equality Award; UN Women,2013 SEED Gender Equality Award; UNIDO,2013 SEED Gender Equality Award; Hogan Lovells
Green Technologies
Cali
Colombia

PROVOKAME buys paper for recycling from local retailers and turns it into pulp enriched with natural fibres and seeds. This pulp is then transported to women in rural areas, who use it to make biodegradable plates. Finally, the plates are sold via supermarket chains and shops specialising in organic and natural products. The production satellites are exclusively run by female heads of households who have been trained by PROVOKAME. They work from home and receive payment for each unit produced.

Eco-Inclusive Impacts
PROVOKAME's entire process contributes not only to the reduction of pollution and sustainable waste management, but also creates job and income for women, while additionally increasing environmental awareness among the community. 
  • Providing flexible work and business management skills to female heads of households.
  • Enabling participants to generate an annual income of up to USD 3,000 dollars per year.
  • Raising awareness about sustainable waste management in local communities.
  • 70 % of plates germinate into a plant in less than 6 weeks, creating food (tomatoes, roseberries, herbs) for human consumption.
  • Offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional disposable items reducing pollution.
  • Helping cut GHG emissions by substituting polymer plates.
  • Equivalent of 25 full-time jobs created, including 15 for women.
  • Global sales of up to 720,000 units per month expected.
  • Two direct distributors and one strategic alliance secured so far.
  • Exports to USA should begin in the first half of 2014.

Partners

PROVOKAME produces innovative 100% biodegradable plates, made from natural fibres and recycled paper, which are also implanted with seeds. The enterprise trains and employs local women living in rural areas in the plate production process. The plates are distributed through supermarket chains and organic products shops. The entire process contributes not only to the reduction of pollution and sustainable waste management, but also creates job and income for women, while additionally increasing environmental awareness among the community. 

Papelyco; a producer of eco-paper solutions, has since 2010 been working with PROVOKAME, providing capital assets and human resources to help the enterprise achieve its social and environmental goals. 

New Ventures Colombia is a global programme created by the World Resources Institute to support local SMEs with environmental policies, training and investor opportunities. 

Pontificia Universidad JAVERIANA – Campus Nova supports companies and innovative entrepreneurs with business training, business development support and business planning.