PERSONAL DETAILS:

Annabel Monthe Muema

Global HR and Business Development Consultant.
D.O.B 6/2/1991.
Phone
Contact:+254714221303/+25457234498
Email:[email protected]
Address: P.O BOX 6501-00300,
Nairobi, Kenya.

Social Media:
LinkedIn: ke.linkedin.com/in/annabelmonthemuema
Twitter: twitter.com/annabell_monthe
Face book: facebook.com/annabelmonthe
Website: https://xcellconsultium.co.ke/annabel-muema/

JOB/CAREER OBJECTIVE

Seeking a career in with a progressive organization that will enable me to utilize my

entrepreneurship abilities in management and global business development as I increase the
productivity in the continent.

EDUCATION:

2012-2014 Kenya Methodist University

Bachelor of Business Administration Major–Human

Resource Management.

2010-2011 University of Nairobi

Diploma in Human Resource Management.

2006-2009 Buru Buru Girls Secondary School

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)

1999-2005 Nairobi River Primary School

Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) 384 Marks.

COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE
Expert in basic use of computer I.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, spreadsheets and power point.
Internet savvy.
OTHER:
 Completed a business and Entrepreneurship training and obtained a certificate
from Recours Four Consultants.
 Currently undertaking Business and leadership online short courses at Harvard
University.
WORK EXPERIENCE:

i. April 2018-August 2020 Festo Didactic SE-HR and Business Development services.

Key responsibilities handled:

 Business Development partnership andcollaboration

opportunities.
 Customer meeting preparation.
 Product Market intelligence.
 Customer service relations.
 Administrative and HR support services

Key results areas:

 Develop new business relationships.
 Schedule and attend client meetings, ensuring that number of meetings meets targets
as set by management.
 Participate in sales campaigns to drive revenue and increaseproduct growth.
 Help the business grow social media product sales.
 Actively and successfully manage the sales process: lead generation; credentials pitch;
asking questions; solution pitch;negotiation; close; handover to the account
management team.
 Prepare proposals and detailed costings and prepare contract

 documents for review by Sales Director prior to negotiation with clients.

ii. January -December 2019 Nordic It Sourcing Association-Global Business Development.

(www.nordicit.org)

Key responsibilities handled:

 Freelance Global partner and Commercial team.

iii. January-December 2019 E-commerce Mobile Application African Awards

(ECMAAAA)-Project Assistant.

Key responsibilities handled:

 Facilitate joint partnerships across Africa in the award project. Assist with the general
planning and organizing of the Africanaward project.
 Virtual Administrative support. http://ecmaaa.acsis-scasi.org/ –
http://www.acsis-
scasi.org/en/home-page/

Key results areas:

 Deliver an excellent client experience at all times, ensuring client needs are met or
exceeded.
 Proactive and responsive to clients and prospective clients.
 Deliver an outstanding sales process and sales support to clients.
 Proactively develop and improve processes to serviceclients.
 iv. January-December 2017 Benimanda Associates-Business Development and HR
Assistant.

Key responsibilities handled:

 Manage accurate payrolls.

 Customer service relations

vi. July 2015-September 2015 East African Cables LTD- Intern as Human Resource
Management Assistant.
Key responsibilities handled:
 Assist the HR manager in planning of Organizational
recruitment and preparation of conducting interviews.
 Filing and archiving systems.
 Employee meal processing.
 Training and interviews preparations.
 Processing Invoice payments.

vi. February-June 2015 Ministry Of Mining (Headquarters)-Intern as Human Resource

Management Assistant.
Key responsibilities handled:

 Establishment of an appropriate reporting framework.

 Assisting in preparation of HRM work plans.
 Preparation of training agenda.
 Learnt about generation of payroll in consultation with IPPD.

ix. November-December 2014 Star times Limited-Call Center Agent.

Key responsibilities handled:
 Customer service relations.

x. May –June 2014 Nairobi Safari Club Hotel (Le Clientele Fidele-
Marketing and Sales agent.
Key responsibilities handled:
 Marketing and closing sales.

xi. February-April 2014 Faith Foods LTD (Uchumi supermarket.)-Attaché as

Human resource management and administrative
assistant.
Key responsibilities handled:
 Filing office documents.
 Updating staff records.
 Accounting daily sales.
 Supervision of general cleanliness.
COMMUNITY WORK AND LEADERSHIP

September 2020-November 2020 Spokesperson of the king Hamad youth empowerment award
program
(December 2012-October2015) The identical family association

Co-founder and human resource manager of

identical twins non- government organization
called the identical family association from 2012
until 2015 where she was championing the agenda
of health, youth and economic empowerment of
twin families and mothers through collaborative
partnerships.
Duties: Ensuring meetings of the Identical
Twins welfare organization is effectively
Organized and recruiting new members.

ARCHIEVEMENT:

Annabel Successfully recruited 400 identical twins from Kenya, East Africa and West
Africa into the twins’ welfare organization called the Identical Family Association and the
welfare organization recognized nationally by the government of Kenya at Mashujaa day
celebrations on 20th October 2015 at Nyayo stadium.
https://www.Youtube.com/watch? v=bCo2YJiNU9o.

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Annabel received professional Entrepreneurship Skills training from Recours Four Consultants
and she is an associate member at the Institute of Human Resources Management, a professional
human resources practitioner’s body in Kenya.
Annabel is also a member of the world free zones organization with membership number 654A

Annabel is also a President award Kenya holder-Silver standard level and a member of the Duke of
Edinburgh’s International Award Association.

Because of her efforts to contribute to the ‘Africa Rising story’, she is the 2018 and 2020 the
African excellence award winner-most innovative global investments consultancy Kenya
ranked by MEA markets https://www.mea-markets.com/winners/2018-novelty-ventures/
and also she is currently an award nominee at the Worldwide Finance Awards 2020 for her
business development efforts in promoting investments in her country.

SKILLS:

 Advanced Excel skills, intermediate skills in other Microsoft Office technologies

 Decisive with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
 Strong leadership, organizational, people and project management skills
 Strong customer management skills; ability to manage more than one client
 Strong database management skills: Excel.
 Self-starter with strong communication skills, attention to detail, analytical acumen,
intellectual curiosity, creativity
 Demonstrated consulting skills and focus on the customer
REFEREES:

1. Mrs. Caroline Mugwe, Former Human resource director, Ministry of

mining (headquarters), Contacts: Phone: +254 722886097 emails,
[email protected].

2. Mr. Kim Holm Former East Africa regional

manager Festo Contacts::+358400925889.Email:
[email protected]

3. Mr. Cisse Kane, President-African Civil Society on

Information Society. Contacts:+221772677273

4. Mr. Mario Solis Nordic it association global partner.

Contacts:+34693301505 [email protected]
 PROJECT PROPOSAL

PROJECT TITLE:

Circular bioeconomy: Recycling of cassava crops into eco friendly, biodegradable food
packaging containers.

DURATION:

24 MONTHS (1ST January 2024 – 31st December 2025).

IMPLEMENTING AGENCY:

NOVELTY VENTURES.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY......................................................................................3
1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................4
2.0 BACKGROUND..............................................................................................4
3.0 PROJECT.......................................................................................................5
3.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVES......................................................................................5
3.2 ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES.........................................................5
4.0 PROJECT COMPONENTS..............................................................................................6
4.1 FUNDING............................................................................................7
4.2 MANUFACTERING BIODEGRADALE STORAGE CONTAINERS…...7
5.0 THE PROBLEM
STATEMENT................................................................................................8
6.0 JUSTIFICATION OF THE
PROJECT.....................................................................................................9
6.1 RISKS INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT.............................................10
7.0 WORK PLAN...............................................................................................11
7.1 BUDGET...........................................................................................12
7.2 MONITORING AND EVALUATION..................................................12

2
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The awareness of sustainability and depletion of petroleum sources and the ban of single-use
plastic have contributed to innovation of Food packaging, bioplastics.
Food packaging should be natural and environmentally friendly.
Bioplastics or biopolymers from renewable resources have attracted growing interest from
industry as a solution to the environmental problems and limited resources of petroleum based
polymers.
Example:Cassava is a promising material to produce biodegradable plates and food storage
containers.
Cassava is a climate smart crop.The process entails:
1. Planting and harvesting cassava crop,it takes 12 months.
2. The casting of a recipe comprising of cassava starch powder,polyglycerol (plasticizer),citric
acid,vegetable oil,a suitable emulsifier and natural fibres.
3. The mixture is homogenized and cast on a glass plate to dry.
4. The plastic films are tested for strength and biodegradability.
Cassava is a renewable resource and is widely available in many countries, making it an attractive
alternative to traditional plastic plates and packaging containers. Recent research has shown that
biodegradable plates and storage containers made from cassava,have several advantages over
traditional plastic plates and packaging containers.
For example, they are more environmentally friendly because they are made from
renewable resources and can be composted after use. Additionally, they are safer for
human health because they do not contain harmful chemicals that can leach into
food. The production process for cassava plates and packaging containers is also relatively
simple and cost-effective. Cassava is first collected and then processed to remove impurities and
extract the pulp. The pulp is then molded into the desired shape and dried to form a sturdy plate
and packaging container. Overall, biodegradable plates made from cassava pulp are a promising
alternative to traditional plastic plates and packaging containers.
They are environmentally friendly, safe for human health, and cost-effective to produce. As
such, they have the potential to play an important role in reducing plastic waste and promoting
sustainable practices. Over the years, the world was not paying strict attention to the impact of
rapid growth in plastic use. As a result, uncontrollable volumes of plastic garbage have been
3
released into the environment. Half of all plastic garbage generated worldwide is made up of
packaging materials. The purpose of this project is to offer an alternative by creating
bioplastic goods that can be produced in various shapes and sizes across various
sectors, including food packaging, single-use tableware and crafts. Products made
from cassava help to address the issue of plastic pollution. To find the optimum option
for creating cassava-based biodegradable dinnerware in Kenya and throughout the
world, researchers tested various scenarios.
The findings show that cassava pulp may replace plastics in biodegradable packaging.
As a result of this value-added utilization of natural fibers, less waste and less of it ends up in
landfills. The practical significance of this project is to help advance low-carbon economic
solutions and to produce secure bioplastic materials that can replace Styrofoam in tableware and
food packaging production

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Novelty Ventures is a for profit organization that exists to bring circular innovation through
agricultural value addition from crops into biodegradable storage containers and packaging.
Food waste is a contributor to greenhouse gas emission.
This project aims to explore the potential of food waste as bioplastic material as an
environmentally friendly alternative packaging.
This innovation will replace and reduce non biodegradable plastics that are pollutants to the
environment and produce more eco friendly food storage containers.
Also this agro processing value addition will bring a solution to reduce food waste and loss in
markets.
According to food and agricultural organization,It is estimated that KES 72 billion of food in
markets and by farmers goes to waste and is lost.
With a high percentage of the population in Kenya being middle class who buy take away/out
foods from fast food restaurants and hotels, the biodegradable food storage containers will be a
viable solution towards reduction of plastic waste that is dumped on landfills.
These eco friendly take out storage containers will composite within 70-90 days if they land in
the environment.

4
2.0 BACKGROUND
Bioplastics are polymers made from renewable biomass sources such as vegetable fats and
recovered food waste. Some bioplastics are made from natural biopolymers such as
polsyaccharides(e.g starch,cellulose,chitosan and alginate) while others are made chemically
from starch derivatives.Others can be made from cereals such as: Rice husks,wheat and maize.
Being able to convert root vegetables such as cassava and potatoes into bioplastic would deliver
the dual benefit of lowering greenhouse gas emissions while reducing the amount of non
biodegradable plastics going into landfills.

In 2018,the bioplastics used in the packaging market accounted for approximately 75% of global
bioplastic production.Cassava biodegradable containers are water proof.
According to the world economic forum,around 170 countries have pledged to significantly
reduce the plastics by 2030.
The last decade,the packaging of food products,is given utmost importance in the food industry.
Cassava packaging containers allow the packaging of hot food without exhibiting any signs of
damage to the food for long periods.
3.0 PROJECT

The Aim of the Project is to contribute towards the circular economy and agricultural value
chains through turning food crops into eco friendly food storage containers. Example, cassava
into biodegradable food packaging containers.

3.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The overall goal of the project is to contribute towards the circular economy by;
1. Production of biodegrable products into the environment.
2. Improving the food sector towards embracing value addition,technology and innovation
in managing food waste.
3. Encouraging creativity and growing the rates of participation towards eco friendly
production processes.
3.2 ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES

The Project aims to achieve the above Objectives through the following measures:

 Our food crop value addition to biodegradable food storage containers project reduces the
5
 problem of non biodegradable waste and pollution in the community.
 Engagement with the local,regional and global farmers from the community towards
reduction of food wastage.
 Job creation.
 Because of the uniqueness of the project,sensitization and awareness program to the
community in regards to the benefits of eco friendly packaging products.
 Turning food crops into food packaging containers uses less energy compared to other
processes. This is the most eco-friendly solution to the environment.

4.0 PROJECT COMPONENTS AND PROCESS.

The journey of making cassava packaging begins in the fields;

1. The cassava is planted and harvested.

I. Preparation of the land;top soil is scooped.

II. The cassava stems are cultivated and planted.
III. Cassava grows well in warm and humid weather.
IV. Weed management and control.
V. Harvested tubers are highly perishable and cannot be stored for more than two days in fresh
form.

2. The cassava is processed to extract the pulp.

3. The pulp is then molded,dried and trimmed into the desired shape and dried to form a plate and
packaging container.
4. Packaging for distribution.

The Project will include the following components

1. Component of circular economy campaigns on specific issues affecting the

community of food crops waste and loss.

Food packaging’s primary purpose is maintaining food quality

and guaranteeing customer safety. The usage of single-use plastics in

packaging has increased considerably over the past several decades.

As a result, more plastic packaging trash is being produced and

damaging our environment. It is crucial to progress towards a more

6
 circular economy and increase the sustainability of our food systems,

both of which rely heavily on packaging.

In a world grappling with environmental crises, the need for sustainable alternatives to
traditional materials is paramount. Plastic pollution, deforestation, and carbon
emissions are pressing concerns that call for innovative solutions. Among these
solutions, cassava packaging containers have emerged as a promising eco-friendly
option.

2. Cassava bagasse, often overlooked and underutilized, holds the potential to revolutionize the
packaging industry and contribute significantly to environmental conservation.

Applications of cassava Bagasse Containers

I. Food Packaging

The food industry has embraced cassava bagasse packaging containers for their

excellent suitability in food Storage.The containers are water and oil proof.

II. Takeout Containers

In the era of takeout and delivery, cassava bagasse takeout containers have gained popularity. Their
robustness and insulation properties keep food hot or cold while eliminating the guilt associated
with single-use plastics.

III. Agricultural Uses

Beyond packaging, cassava bagasse finds applications in agriculture. It serves as an eco-friendly

mulch, enhancing soil quality and moisture retention. This agricultural application further
underscores its versatility and eco-friendliness.

4.1 FUNDING

This project meant improving the environment within the community.

The project will consist process of five key steps,the process flow:

1. The cassava is planted and harvested.

2. The cassava is crushed,leaving behind cassava bagasse.
3. The casting of a recipe comprising of cassava starch powder,polyglycerol (plasticizer),citric
acid,vegetable oil,a suitable emulsifier and natural fibres.
4. The mixture is homogenized and cast on a glass plate to dry.
5. The plastic films are tested for strength and biodegradability

7
 6. This agricultural origin lends it credibility as an eco-friendly material in form of baggase, as it
minimizes waste in the cassava production process. Bagasse is first collected and then processed to
remove impurities and extract the pulp.
7. The pulp is then molded,dried and trimmed into the desired shape and dried to form a plate and
storage container.
8. Packaging for distribution.

4.2 REQUIREMENTS OF MANUFACTERING BIODEGRADABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS.

1. Licencing requirements; In Kenya,You need approvals from the Nairobi county government and the
National Environment Management Authority (Nema) to operate a recycling business.You’ll also require
the standard permits and certificates for setting up a company in Kenya, including a business permit and fire
safety certificate.
2. Collection centers; Setting up a collection centre that’s large enough to store the food crops before we
recycle. Collectors; You’ll need to hire people to do the harvesting.
3. Warehouse or (storage) or a go down to store the baggase after the juice has been extracted.

Bagasse is a naturally occurring product made from cassava.

With minimum processing, manufacturers create biodegradable paper
goods from it. Bagasse would wind up in a landfill if businesses did
not utilize it and turn it into valuable things.

4. Machine and equipment to;

I. The cassava is peeled,chopped and sun dried.
II. Milling of flour.
III. Mixture:The flour is mixed with glycerin and vegetable oil.
IV. Molding by thermo pressing.
V. The pulp board is fed through a molding device and shaped into a plate or desired packaging
container.
VI. To strengthen the material, some producers go the additional mile and combine the pulp with
an additive that repels water and oil.
VII. Packaging for distribution.
8.1 THE PROBLEM STATEMENT
Food packaging has developed into an essential part of successful food companies that
provide fast food, prepared meals, portable beverages, and snacks, among other things.
The world’s population was forecast to be 7.7 billion in 2019. By 2050, it is predicted
to increase to 9.7 billion, with an expected 50% increase in the need for food supply
worldwide increase in demand for food production and, as a result, the use of food
8
 packaging materials are both driven by the expansion in the world’s population.
Food packaging protects food from environmental dangers that can be classified as
physical, chemical, and biological.Various varieties have been used in various shapes,
including food packaging. They have unique qualities, are highly functional, and are
reasonably inexpensive (Directive (EU) of the European Parliament,2019). Plastics have a
solid weight-to-strength ratio. This leads to packing containers using a minimum amount
of materials, with the packaging material making up to 3% of the packaged product’s
weight. Packaging contributes the most to worldwide plastic trash, accounting for over
50% of the total weight.The global plastic waste generation is estimated that 397 million
tons of plastic waste from packaging material.Most plastic pollution comes from
inadequate collection and disposal.Our business model seeks to create awareness about the
benefits to the environment of biodegradable packaging-bio plastic and the negative
impacts of unrecycled plastics in our environment.

6.0 JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT

Cassava stands out for its sustainability credentials. As a rapidly renewable resource, sugarcane is harvested
annually, reducing the strain on forests. Additionally, it is carbon-neutral, as the CO2 emitted during its
production is offset by the CO2 absorbed during sugarcane growth, making it a vital component in the fight
against climate change.

Bioplastics are used in a wide range of industries, including packaging, food, consumer electronics,
cosmetics, cars, agriculture/horticulture, toys, textiles, and a number of other expanding areas.

The market for bioplastics is now dominated by rigid packaging and consumer goods made mostly of
biobased PET and PUR. The packaging market will be dominated by bioplastic goods, which will account
for more than 53% of the world’s total production of bioplastics (1.14 million tons).

1. Biodegradability and Compostability

One of the standout features of cassava bagasse containers is their biodegradability and compostability.
Unlike traditional plastics that persist in the environment for centuries,cassava bagasse containers break
down naturally within weeks, returning nutrients to the soil and reducing landfill waste.

2. Strength and Durability

While biodegradable, cassava bagasse containers are no pushovers in terms of strength and durability. They
can withstand the rigors of transportation and everyday use, making them a practical choice for various
applications.

9
3. Heat and Moisture Resistance

Cassava bagasse containers exhibit remarkable heat and moisture resistance, making them suitable for hot
and cold food items. This quality ensures that they maintain their structural integrity and protect the
contents, even under challenging conditions.

4. The Future of Sugarcane Bagasse Containers

Technological Innovations

The future holds exciting prospects for cassava bagasse containers. Ongoing research aims to enhance their
properties and diversify their applications, potentially replacing plastics in various industries.

5. Market Trends

The market for sustainable packaging is on the rise, driven by consumer awareness and government
regulations. Cassava bagasse containers are poised to gain a more significant share of this growing market
as eco-conscious consumers seek alternatives.

6. Environmental Implications

The widespread adoption of Cassava bagasse containers could significantly reduce plastic pollution and
alleviate the burden on landfills. Embracing this eco-friendly option is a step towards a cleaner, greener
future.

Conclusion

Crops and cassava bagasse containers offer a compelling solution to the environmental challenges we face
today. Their eco-friendly composition, impressive advantages, and diverse applications make them a
beacon of hope in the quest for sustainability. As technology advances and market demand grows,
sugarcane bagasse containers may well become the norm, ushering in an era of responsible packaging and
environmental stewardship.

6.1 RISKS INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT.

a) Employee injury when operating the equipment.

b) High cost of machine maintainance.
c) Food preservation and protection against potential physical, chemical,
Microbiological reaction, and other risks that may influence its quality and safety are the main goals
of packaging though bagasse plates and storage containers uphold safety criteria.

10
7.0 WORK PLAN

Project period

Jan Year

Jan Year
Activity

May
Sept

Sept
Mar

Mar
Aug

Aug
Apr

Nov

Apr

Nov
1Feb

Jun

Feb

Jun
Dec

Dec
Oct

Oct
Jul

Jul
2
Obtain operating permits 
and licences from Nairobi
county and NEMA.
Hire a warehouse.

Procurement of
machinery and
equipments.
Training of Support staff
on how to handle
recycling equipments
Sensitization and
awareness seminars to
community.
Marketing of the end
products to markets.
Project Monitoring.

Evaluation of the project .

Writing the project report.

11
 7.1 BUDGET
The indicative value addition on cassava budget allocations to cover the various project components
outlined above are as follows:

S/N Item Description Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost (KES)

(KES)
1 Hiring a warehouse (12 months) 170, 000 1year 2,040,000
2 Equipment;
Peeling and washing machine 250,000 1 250,000
Grinder 50,000 1 50,000
Biodegradable lunch box molding 1,050,0 00 1 1,050,000
machine (Clamshell container)
3 Permits and licences
Application fee 5,000 5,000
Annual license fee (Recycle) 40,000 40,000
Transport 5,000 Per vehicle 240,000
5 Staff (Harvestors and packaging) 15,000 Per 900,000
month and
employee
5
Total 4,575 ,000

7.4 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Novelty ventures executive committee will monitor the implementation of the project to see to it
that the goal, objectives and expected outcomes are accomplished. Monthly reports will be
written and submitted. Monitoring of the project for improvement and assessing the objectives
against outcomes will be done on a regular basis and reports submitted. At the end of the project,
there will be an evaluation meeting between the project staff and the related stake holders
including community representatives.

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