Ann: Business Proposal , page-8

This is a viable opportunity for any fibre that can be sourced cheaper than recycled paper fibres (current price for baled waste suitable for egg carton type material is around USD120/tonne (if you can get it). One tonne of baled waste will make about 950kg of egg type trays. The only processing needed is to re-pulp the material (just like when you make normal papier mache when you were at school) not difficult, mould and dry it again not difficult. The technology for this in terms of mass production is as "old as time" so no novelty value at all.

One tonne of fresh banana stems gives about 100kg of fibre that could be used to make trays (9 times less than the yield from baled waste)? The cost of harvesting and processing (before conversion) for the operator must be at least less than or equal to USD120/tonne to match recycled fibres.

Egg type trays sell for cents per unit not dollars per unit so volume is key if cost competitiveness is to be achieved.

Hopefully, significant market research has gone into this idea and that they have customers ready to go.

Now in terms of location of a manufacturing plant/mill for making paper products (regardless of size) FNQ, great barrier reef, pristine farming and water ways??? Environmental impact studies would be needed(costly and when will this be done). Look at Gunns in Tasmania for a rough idea of the hoops that must be jumped through for this kind of venture. Have these studies been costed and is there a time frame for it? Where will the money to pay for it come from?

Assuming that the questions above have been considered and resolved by the PPY board favourably the idea is not too bad and will create enough stimulus (I think) to keep PPY going longer which may in the end enable them to finally get it right. Maybe they are onto something but Beta Veneering Units will not be needed.