Uganda faces pressing economic and environmental challenges like many African nations, including climate change and agri-food waste. Amidst these challenges, innovative entrepreneurs are emerging to transform the narrative. Juliet Tumusiime, founder of Cheveux Organique, is one such visionary. She has developed a pioneering approach to sustainable waste management, creating 100% biodegradable banana hair extensions to disrupt the $13 billion global hair industry.
For Black women, hair is more than just a physical attribute; it’s an integral part of identity and culture. The global hair market’s projection to generate $10 billion from 2018-2023 reflected this significance.
In 2020, Uganda ranked as the 59th largest exporter of bananas globally and generated $6.38 million in revenue. As synthetic hair extensions pose severe environmental and health risks, her initiative leverages the nation’s abundant banana resources to mitigate these risks.
The country faces a significant plastic waste issue, with the Kampala Metropolitan Area producing 135,804 tons of plastic waste yearly. Forty-two per cent of this waste remains uncollected, and 10% is in water systems. The problem is exacerbated by the use of synthetic hair extensions, which are made from non-recyclable plastics and harmful chemicals.
Juliet Tumusiime has developed an innovative, groundbreaking solution that transforms banana stems into biodegradable hair extensions, offering a sustainable alternative. This eco-friendly approach aligns with Uganda’s national response to climate change.
The production process starts with four specific species of bananas that are abundant in Uganda. The Cheveux Organique team manually extracts fibres from the stems, which are dried and transformed into silky strands. The company now sells its products in Africa and beyond. These products are valued for their biodegradable quality, itch-free nature, and ability to be reused up to three times.
Cheveux Organique produces about 5 kg of banana fibre hair monthly, priced at approximately $50 per 150g. Tumusiime justifies the cost due to the hair’s reusable quality and plans to streamline production to reduce costs. Her commitment to sustainability extends beyond her products. She partners with Kampala hair salons and companies to safely dispose of synthetic hair, promoting responsible segregation and disposal. Her team transforms waste into craft items, such as lampshades.
Founding Cheveux Organique, a community lifeline
Tumusiime’s journey to founding Cheveux Organique began with her frustration as a synthetic hair user. She suffered from itchy scalps, allergies, and dandruff. In 2015, while researching the banana plant value chain, she discovered the potential of banana stems. She saw an opportunity to transform waste into wealth.
Intrigued, Tumusiime collaborated with scientists to experiment with extracted fibres. Perfecting the concept took nearly three years, despite challenges in finding extraction machines and softening the fibres.
So far, Cheveux Organique employs 25 full-time and over 100 part-time workers, mostly from local farming communities. The company provides economic opportunities and skills development. Its minimal waste is creatively upcycled into interior decor items.
The innovator aims to educate young people about sustainable waste management and recycling through regional educational hubs. These hubs will serve as extraction centres, training future generations in waste reduction. Tumusiime is committed to empowering women to make informed choices about beauty routines while promoting health and environmental consciousness. Her dedication to education ensures a lasting impact, inspiring future generations to embrace sustainable practices.
Cheveux Organique, Uganda’s eco-friendly hair extension goes global.
Cheveux Organique’s hair extensions offer durability, biodegradability, and style versatility. The brand has established a strong presence in Uganda, the US, France, and the UK and is positioned for further growth.
Moreover, as Africa’s largest banana producer, Uganda benefits from Juliet Tumusiime and her innovative solution, which reduces agricultural waste and promotes eco-friendly entrepreneurship. Cheveux Organique has substantial growth potential, especially considering the projected global hair extension market value of $710 million by 2028.
Her story serves as a testament to sustainable entrepreneurship in Africa. She has created a blueprint for environmentally conscious business models by turning waste into wealth. As Cheveux Organique expands, Tumusiime’s vision remains clear: transforming the beauty industry through sustainable alternatives, empowering women, and inspiring entrepreneurs to prioritize environmental responsibility.
