KENYA – Nairobi-based integrated waste management company Ecopost has partnered with Austrian chemical company, Borealis to scale up the collection and recycling of plastic waste in Kenya.
As an integrated waste management company, Ecopost collects, sorts and recycles plastic waste plastic into recycled plastic lumber profiles used in applications varying from fencing to road signage to outdoor furniture.
Under the agreement, Borealis will provide funding for Ecopost’s activities to boost waste recycling in Kenya and to promote a circular economy in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Lorna Rutto, Ecopost CEO said: “We very much welcome Borealis’ support of our activities to implement the selected modules to improve the informal waste collection.
“The funds will make a positive impact on Ecopost as well as thousands of young people and women in marginalized areas. It will be incredibly valuable in creating a more positive socio-economic and environmental impact.”
Borealis has undertaken to support Ecopost’s activities in capacity building, training and engaging more waste collectors. The company will also fund entrepreneurial start-up kits for
“Mismanaged waste adversely impacts livelihoods, human health and hinders sustainable development,” said Markus Horcher, director sustainability & public affairs at Borealis.
“Partnering with Ecopost not only complements Borealis’ vision towards a circular economy, but also helps reducing socio-economic differences, a key target area of the Borealis Social Fund.”
The partnership comes at a time when Kenya generates approximately 22,000 tonnes of waste per day. Nairobi alone produces over 2,400 tonnes of solid waste on a daily basis.
In addition, poverty is rampant in the country with 36% of Kenyans living below the poverty line, earning less than US$1.90 a day.
To address the challenge of plastic waste, Ecopost works with marginalized youth and women in the community who collect, sort, shred and prepare waste material for producing pellets and plastic lumber.
The company not only ensures they are paid a fair and regular income, but also incorporates training and capacity building across the value chain to achieve impact at scale: creating jobs for operators, plastic waste collectors, and distributors.
In this way, Ecopost helps to divert plastic waste from open burning, dumping in waterways, sewers and landfilling and offers alternatives to wood and virgin plastics for applications like fencing, signage & building material.
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