Leading multinationals Diageo, Nestle, Unilever and Coca-Cola have launched Africa Plastics Recycling Alliance at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
The collective action seeks to transform plastics recycling infrastructure across Sub-Saharan Africa and build new economic opportunities.
At the event held on 26 March, the Alliance noted that it aims to turn the current challenge of plastic waste in Sub Saharan Africa into an opportunity to create jobs and commercial activity by improving the collection and recycling of plastics.
“The Africa Plastics Recycling Alliance has been established for companies to: – Facilitate and support their local subsidiaries to engage proactively in market level public private partnerships, industry collaboration and alliances – Share knowledge, encourage innovation and collaborate on technical and other solutions appropriate for Sub-Saharan Africa as well as participate in local pilot initiatives – Engage with the investment community, policy makers and others to accelerate the development and financing of the necessary waste management infrastructure and systems.
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“Plastics will remain an important packaging material if we are to give African consumers the safe and affordable products they need,”
The Africa Plastics Recycling Alliance said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, a lack of collection and recycling capacity in many African markets coupled with growing populations is creating a growing problem of plastics waste.
“We see an opportunity to tackle that problem in a way that creates jobs and reduces dependency on imported materials while alternatives to plastics are developed.
The statement noted that, “Collaboration within and across markets will be key to success so we are proud to launch the Africa Plastics Recycling Alliance today to increase those efforts and play our part as companies in finding solutions that work for Africa.”
