The Circulate Initiative partners companies in Kenya to launch Responsible Sourcing Initiative

KENYA – The Circulate Initiative, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation, IKEA Foundation, and Nairobi-based Mr. Green Africa, have launched its Responsible Sourcing Initiative in Kenya. 

This marks the program’s first expansion into Africa, with Ethiopia set to follow in 2026. 

The initiative aims to address human rights challenges in the plastics recycling value chain while boosting the supply of responsibly sourced recycled plastics.

The launch was announced during a two-day workshop in Nairobi in May, where stakeholders, including brands, government representatives, and waste worker organizations, reviewed a baseline assessment of Mr. Green Africa’s recycling operations. 

The assessment highlighted strengths, such as the integration of informal waste workers into a technology-driven supply chain, but also identified challenges like low wages, unsafe working conditions, and limited access to social services for some workers. 

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Kenya generates approximately 983,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with only 27% collected and 8% recycled, underscoring the urgency of such initiatives.

“In Kenya, we’re scaling responsible sourcing practices to protect workers at the forefront of the fight against plastic pollution,” Annerieke Douma, Senior Director of Programs at The Circulate Initiative, said. 

“This project is a milestone in addressing systemic human rights issues for informal waste workers across Africa.”

Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, added that “Informal waste workers are vital to reducing packaging waste. 

“We’re proud to support this initiative, which ensures these workers are recognized and protected.”

According to Keiran Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Mr. Green Africa, the model integrates informal waste workers into a transparent value chain. 

“Joining this initiative, we can expand the supply of responsibly sourced recycled plastics while improving livelihoods.”

The initiative introduces the Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework, launched in 2024, which provides actionable guidelines for ethical recycling practices. 

The framework is already being implemented with select suppliers in Kenya.

The Responsible Sourcing Network Africa (RSNA) will further extend the program’s impact by providing training and supporting policy-making across Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Djibouti, and Morocco.

Meanwhile, a regional sustainability forum highlighted that similar efforts in Mombasa have led to youth-led enterprises collecting over 23 tonnes of plastic waste, creating green jobs and fostering community-driven solutions. 

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