Papyrus Accelerates Commercialisation with New CEO and Key Mining Deal

Leadership Transition Signals Commercial Focus

In August 2025, Papyrus Australia Ltd took a significant step in its evolution by appointing Daniel Schmidt as Chief Executive Officer. Schmidt, who has been with the company since 2022 and closely involved in technology development and pilot projects, now leads the company’s transition from research and development towards full-scale commercial operations. This leadership change underscores Papyrus’s commitment to scaling its patented banana fibre technology beyond the lab and into the marketplace.

Strategic Partnership with TBS Mining Solutions

Perhaps the most transformative development reported is the signing of a binding term sheet with TBS Mining Solutions, a subsidiary of Aquirian Ltd. This partnership aims to manufacture a biodegradable version of the Collar Keeper® product, a key innovation designed for the mining sector. By leveraging Papyrus’s proprietary technology that converts banana plantation waste into sustainable board and paper products, the collaboration promises to deliver an environmentally responsible alternative tailored to industry needs. The months-long process of refining the product and validating its performance through laboratory and field trials reflects a meticulous approach to commercial readiness.

Government Support and Financial Backing

Supporting this commercial pivot, Papyrus was awarded a $250,000 Early-Stage Commercialisation Grant from the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program. This funding is earmarked to advance the scale-up of the banana fibre processing technology from lab-scale proof of concept to commercial design, with prototyping and testing underway at the University of South Australia’s Rapid Prototyping and R&D Facility. Complementing this, the company raised $237,000 from sophisticated investors, providing additional capital to support project growth and the development of Australian production facilities.

Operational Restructuring to Support Growth

In line with its commercial ambitions, Papyrus restructured its support functions by engaging the Automic Group to provide company secretarial and back-office services. This strategic move allows the executive team to concentrate on technology refinement, business development, and customer engagement. Patricia Vanni from Automic was appointed as the new Company Secretary, succeeding Vince Rigano, who remains on the board as a director. This change reflects a broader effort to streamline operations and enhance functional capacity as the company scales.

Looking Ahead

While the August report highlights promising progress, details on the timeline for commercial production and the full financial impact of these initiatives remain forthcoming. Investors will be watching closely as Papyrus moves from prototype to production, and as the biodegradable Collar Keeper® product begins to penetrate the mining sector. The company’s ability to execute on these fronts will be critical in validating its commercial strategy and delivering long-term shareholder value.