Massive international interest is being attracted by a business idea in Nairobi, Kenya, which is unique in the plastics industry. Starting in 2014, the start-up company Mr. Green Africa has succeeded in establishing a collection and sorting system for plastics from industrial and household waste in the greater Nairobi area. The company is interested in upgrading the waste collection system to provide the many "waste pickers" with fair and stable pay. Today, Mr. Green Africa is an important employer in the region with over 100 permanent employees and almost 2,000 "waste pickers".
Back
Keiran Smith (Mr. Green Africa), Bruno Witvoet (Unilever Africa), Sanjay Brahmbhatt (Blowplast) and Justin Apsey (Unilever East Africa) at the product launch of Sunlight scouring powder earlier this year in Nairobi. The packaging is made of material recycled 100 percent by Mr. Green Africa. The product is available in Kenya and surrounding regions. (Photo credit: Unilever Kenya)
Kenya: Social responsibility with plastics recycling
Mr. Green Africa goes for the latest Erema technology
At this year's Propak East Africa in Nairobi from 17 to 19 March, visitors to the shared trade fair stand (D9 in the Tsavo Hall) can find out how the recycling company Mr. Green Africa combines social responsibility with the highest specification technology and cost effectiveness. Since the beginning of the year a brand new INTAREMA® 1108 TVEplus® RegrindPro® with laser filter has been processing industrial and household waste plastic to produce recyclate at the company's plant in Nairobi. Trade fair visitors are invited to take part in Mr. Green Africa's plant tours on 18 and 25 March to see for themselves the recycling quality live in action.
As of February, the young entrepreneurs have expanded their business model and no longer sell only washed flakes, but now recycle directly on site at their plant in Nairobi. The Institute for Polymer Materials and Testing at the Johannes Kepler University Linz carried out material analysis in advance to specify the recycling technology needed to achieve high quality recyclate despite the level of contamination of the input material. In the end they chose to go for EREMA, or more precisely for the INTAREMA® 1108 TVEplus® RegrindPro® with laser filter, which specialises in processing challenging post consumer materials.
Kenya's plastics industry on course for sustainable success
"When choosing the recycling technology, the decisive factor for us was that HDPE and PP material can be processed on the same line. With HDPE we collect all types of packaging, including canisters and bottles, which are often contaminated with paper labels and printing inks. Despite different input materials and their varying quality, we have to meet the demands of our customers and deliver a consistent quality of recyclate output," explains Mr. Green Africa CEO Keiran Smith. Following their initial discussions it was clear to EREMA Group CEO Manfred Hackl that EREMA definitely wanted supply technology to Mr. Green Africa. "Keiran Smith and Karim Debabe captivated me with their business idea from the very first second. As far as I know, setting up a company with such an effective social impact is unique in the plastics recycling sector and could serve as a model for other regions," says Hackl.
Regional buyers for the recyclate were quickly found, such as Unilever Africa. The packaging of the new Sunlight scouring powder, which was launched at the beginning of the year, consists 100 percent of material recycled by Mr. Green. "The launch of the first truly circular plastic packaging for Sunlight scouring powder in Kenya is a great win for the environment and goes a long away in our quest to ensure that plastic only remains in our economy and stays clear of the environment," says Bruno Witvoet, President Unilever Africa.
Plant tours at Mr. Green Africa during and after the Propak trade fair
Visitors have the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the collection, sorting and recycling processes used by Mr. Green Africa. The tours will take place on 18 and 25 March 11 am at the company's plant in Nairobi.
PETnology's Resource Guide
comPETence center
The comPETence center provides your organisation with a dynamic, cost effective way to promote your products and services.
Our premium articles
comPETence
magazine
magazine
Find our premium articles, interviews, reports and more
in 3 issues in 2024.
