Unilever Nigeria achieves plastic neutrality, advocates circular economy 

NIGERIA – Unilever Nigeria announced its achievement of plastic neutrality in November 2024, a major milestone in addressing the nation’s plastic waste crisis.

According to the company, plastic neutrality means collecting and processing more plastic than it releases into the environment through its products.

Tim Kleinebenne, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria, emphasized the company’s commitment to a circular economy, ensuring plastic remains in use rather than polluting the environment.

“Our plastic is our responsibility, and we are committed to collecting more than we sell,” he stated, expressing hope that their efforts inspire other companies to follow suit.

In partnership with Wecyclers, a local recycling enterprise, Unilever Nigeria has collected over 13,000 tonnes of plastic since 2014, creating employment opportunities for more than 1,000 people.

Wecyclers CEO Olawale Adebiyi commended the collaboration, describing it as a journey of “impact, collaboration, and partnership.”

He highlighted Unilever-supported programs like the Recycling Exchange Program, enabling individuals to drop off recyclable materials at kiosks.

Unilever also facilitated 26 franchise recycling locations through a corporate-backed Impact Bond program, further aiding its plastic neutrality goal.

Nigeria’s persistent plastic waste challenge

Despite Unilever’s achievement, Nigeria continues to grapple with substantial plastic waste, recycling less than 15% of its output, according to a report by the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC).

The report advocates transitioning from green taxation models for single-use plastics to a circular economy approach.

The report, titled “Positioning Plastic Waste Recycling as an Inclusive Catalyst for Unlocking a Sustainable Circular Economy in Nigeria,” proposes three pillars for an effective model:

Designing for Recyclability – Using materials that are easy to reprocess and creating products designed for disassembly.

Building Recycling Infrastructure – Establishing collection points and partnering with waste management firms for efficient processing.

Driving Markets for Recycled Materials – Encouraging recycled content through government incentives and research into innovative products.

Adamu Garba, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NCIC highlighted its multifaceted benefits, including reducing plastic pollution, conserving resources, creating jobs in waste management, and fostering investment in recycling infrastructure.

“This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also drives economic growth and improves public health,” he stated.

Behavioral and economic shifts

The NCIC report underscores the importance of public education campaigns and supporting community-led initiatives to reduce single-use plastics and empower local populations in waste management.

It also highlights the economic potential of recycling, including job creation, lower waste management costs, and the development of markets for recycled materials.

In contrast to green taxes, which risk disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities, the circular economy model offers long-term sustainability by fostering job creation, economic diversification, and environmental benefits.

The NCIC report serves as a call to action for policymakers, businesses, and communities to transition towards a future where plastic waste is a resource, not a burden, paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive economy.

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