Papyrus Australia has begun supplying the local mining sector with biodegradable blasting collars made from banana plantation waste, marking the first use of the company’s fibre-based technology.
Blast collars are used in open pit mining to stabilize drill holes and prevent debris from falling into them before explosives are loaded. The company says its collars – produced from discarded banana stems, stalks and leaves – perform the same function while reducing plastic waste.
Papyrus has produced several hundred units so far. The collars are currently undergoing final testing before being sent to customers. In November 2025, Papyrus signed a A$4.2 million supply agreement with TBS Mining Solutions, a subsidiary of Aquirian Limited.
Greg Patching, managing director of Aquirian, said the biodegradable collars set a “new standard” for sustainability in drilling and blasting operations. He described the product as a “greener, smarter alternative to our industry.”
Papyrus CEO Daniel Schmidt said the project represents an opportunity to reduce waste on Australian farms, which the company sees as an untapped circular economy initiative.
The country’s banana industry produces more than 300,000 tons of the fruit annually, placing it among the top 50 producers worldwide.
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