14 Feb 2024

In a remarkable display of creativity and resourcefulness, a budding entrepreneur has emerged with a unique business model that combines the production of paper coal with the art of sculpture.

 In an interview with BOPA, Emafa William stated that he recognised the potential of paper coal or as they call it, elephant dung paper coal, as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional coal after agreeing to a business skill exchange with a certain businesswoman who taught him how to make paper coal in exchange of being taught sculpturing, and with a passion for sustainability and a keen eye for business opportunities, he sought to explore this untapped market. 

“I figured that paper coal is a sustainable and renewable energy source; it has low carbon emissions and it reduces environmental impact thus can be used as a substitute for traditional coal in various industries,” he said. In 2016 he was enrolled for an extensive course for paper coal making with Bakaputura Youth Training and further trained with Elephant Heavens to solidify what he was taught by the fellow businesswoman. 

Mr William said paper coal is a sustainable alternative to traditional coal; it is made from recycled paper waste that is soaked, pounded and mixed with elephant dung to act as a fibre element and has gained attention for its eco-friendly properties. 

However, William is not only into paper coal making but has ingeniously combined his passion for sculpture with the production of paper coal, and when asked about his motivation behind this unconventional approach, William emphasised the importance of sustainability and the desire to contribute positively to the environment. 

“By utilising recycled paper waste to produce paper coal, we are actively reducing carbon footprint associated with traditional coal production,” he said. “Furthermore with the sculptures I do not cut down trees but rather gather those that are already down for making of the art.”

Looking ahead, Mr William envisions expanding his business by establishing partnerships with galleries, eco-conscious retailers and even collaborating with other artists and by doing so, he aims to create a platform that does not only promotes his own work but supports fellow businesspersons who share the vision of sustainability and creativity. ENDS