Two young Ugandans fight food waste with a simple plant-based pouch that keeps fruit fresh. Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita created Karpolax sachets that extend fruit life from 11 days to 33 days. The European Patent Office chose them among top 10 finalists for the Young Inventors Prize. Both grew up on farms and watched good produce spoil before reaching markets. Their invention helps smallholder farmers avoid financial losses and food insecurity.
The biodegradable sachets release natural compounds from cloves, lemongrass, eucalyptus and wintergreen plants. These compounds stop ethylene gas that makes fruit ripen and protect against mold and bacteria. Uganda research groups tested the sachets and found mangoes stayed fresh three times longer. The inventors work with over 100 farmers, 20 exporters and 250 market vendors across the country. Scientists prove the pouches work for bananas, apples, oranges and other important crops.
Food waste creates 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions according to climate experts. About 40 percent of all food produced never reaches hungry people around the world. The Makerere University graduates started their company during 2020 after meeting at school. Winners receive recognition during June 18 ceremonies broadcast live from Iceland. Namboozo and Muyita plan expansion across Kenya and Rwanda next.
The biodegradable sachets release natural compounds from cloves, lemongrass, eucalyptus and wintergreen plants. These compounds stop ethylene gas that makes fruit ripen and protect against mold and bacteria. Uganda research groups tested the sachets and found mangoes stayed fresh three times longer. The inventors work with over 100 farmers, 20 exporters and 250 market vendors across the country. Scientists prove the pouches work for bananas, apples, oranges and other important crops.
Food waste creates 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions according to climate experts. About 40 percent of all food produced never reaches hungry people around the world. The Makerere University graduates started their company during 2020 after meeting at school. Winners receive recognition during June 18 ceremonies broadcast live from Iceland. Namboozo and Muyita plan expansion across Kenya and Rwanda next.
