KENYA – T3 (EPZ), a subsidiary of the Indian Megh Group specializing in the recycling of plastic waste (polyethylene terephthalate) has announced plans to set up a plastic recycling plant in Arthi River.
T3 says that the new unit, “Recostar PET iV+”, which is dedicated to the extrusion and granulation of used plastic bottles will be supplied by the Austrian company Starlinger.
The company notes that the new unit will enable it to produce rPET and food-grade recycled resin for the local market.
“Our goal has always been to put Kenya on the global recycling map, and being the first company in Kenya to produce not only rPET but also food-grade recycled resin will help us achieve this goal,” says Gurpreet Kaur Kenth, T3’s COO.
The rPET will be 100% reusable for the production of bottle preforms, as well as polyester fibers used in the textile and garment industries.
Megh Singh Cushion Makers, a manufacturer of matatu (13-19 seat public transport minibus) seats, vans and buses, as well as various automotive components and accessories in Kenya, will also use these polyester fibers for the automotive trim and textile business.
T3 has set up a collection system that covers the whole of Kenya, with the aim of creating the right incentives for plastic bottle collectors.
In addition to improving its performance, T3’s (EPZ) approach will help reduce plastic pollution in Kenya.
The East African country produces 480 tonnes of plastic waste per day, which is 20% of the 2,400 tonnes of rubbish generated per day according to a World Bank 2021 report.
The addition of recycling plant will not only increase the recycling rate in the country but also create more jobs in the sector.
Meanwhile, in 2022 the Kenya Plastics Pact published a roadmap to ensure all plastic packaging in the country is recyclable or reusable by 2030.
The national plastic roadmap 2030 seeks to eliminate single-use plastic packaging besides coming up with eco-friendly alternatives to promote environmental health and job creation through circularity.
Through this initiative Kenya becomes the second country in Africa after South Africa to come up with an ambitious roadmap for managing plastic waste, notes Ayub Macharia, the Director of Environmental Education and Awareness in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
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