The Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation (PAKPRO), in partnership with Tetra Pak East Africa, has officially launched a project aimed at recovering used beverage cartons in Kenya. This initiative is designed to bring added value to post-consumer liquid board packaging (LBP) and enhance economic opportunities for waste collectors and aggregators in the country.
The launch of this project was celebrated in an official ceremony, attended by prominent figures such as Amzeena Bhaiji, Chair of the Kenya Green Building Society.
Jonathan Kinisu, Managing Director of Tetra Pak East Africa, emphasized the alignment of the project with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and the Waste Management Act of Kenya. He stated, “We are taking a lead role in supporting the collection and recycling value chain. We are working closely with our recyclers and together with PAKPRO to create consumer awareness and increase recycling volume.”
As part of this collaboration, collectors and aggregators involved will have the opportunity to sell the recovered used beverage cartons to LBP recyclers. The project aims to recover 1,500 tonnes of used beverage carton packs from across the country, accounting for 30% of produced LBP in Kenya.
The first two domestic recyclers participating in this initiative are Ramani Warehouse and Ekotech.
Richard Rugendo, Managing Director of Ramani, emphasized the importance of embracing recyclables and recycled items, saying, “Recycled items are valuable, and unless they are consumed – we will still have the same waste-management challenges.”
Located in Thika, Kiambu County, Ramani specializes in manufacturing all-weather eco-boards by recycling used beverage cartons, primarily used for packaging milk, water, juices, and wines, as noted by PAKPRO. This collaboration marks a significant step toward promoting responsible waste management and recycling practices in Kenya.