Derrick Sarfo is the founder of DercolBags, a Ghana-based business that manufactures eco-friendly alternatives to single-use packaging, including gift boxes, customized product packaging and more. 

THE INSPIRATION FOR DERCOLBAGS

Prior to launching DercolBags, Derrick worked as a freelance designer and frequently partnered with local advertising agencies. Then, in June 2015 a flooding disaster hit Ghana and changed the trajectory of Derrick’s career. 

“What do you do when your city is flooded, claiming more than 230 lives, and one of the causes of the flood is choked drainages due to disposed single-use plastics? You start a company which addresses the root of the problem,” shares Derrick. “And so we started DercolBags as an alternative packaging solution and as a part of a bigger social impact mission: to make our country cleaner.” 

In addition to DercolBags’ sustainability practices, it also emphasizes the importance of supporting women in the community by hiring female entrepreneurs throughout the business. 

DERCOLBAGS IN THE BECAUSE ACCELERATOR

Derrick joined the Fall 2022 Cohort of the Because Accelerator and said, “it’s a great place to grow one’s business. The learning, mentorship, advisory sessions and resources provided free of charge have had a profound impact on our business.” 

At the end of the program, Derrick competed in Because International’s pitch competition and received the People’s Choice award, which came with funding to invest in DercolBags. 

The prize funds, Derrick shares, “will help us subsidize the cost of training and empowering 500 women and micro-businesses with hands-on skills in sustainable packaging and sales—creating more jobs.” 

In five years, Derrick hopes that DercolBags will be a leading brand for sustainable packaging across West Africa and beyond.

The Because Accelerator is a completely free online training and mentorship program for entrepreneurs who have product-focused ideas and businesses in areas impacted by poverty.