KAM, Confederation of Danish Industry & Embassy of Denmark partner to promote waste management

Partnership to promote environmental friendly plastic consumption

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in partnership with Confederation of Danish Industry and the Embassy of Denmark have today explored opportunities for a transition to a new plastics economy in Kenya.

Under the theme ‘Business and environmental opportunities for sustainable production and consumption of plastics in Kenya’, the forum sought to promote environmental friendly plastic consumption, as well as the economic potential of plastics in job and wealth creation.

Speaking during the forum, KAM Chairlady, Ms. Flora Mutahi noted that the need for environmental management is gaining momentum and awareness in the business sector in Kenya and the world at large.

“There has been notable growing awareness on the impact of production and consumption on the environment. On this, manufacturing companies in Kenya are finding innovative ways of production to minimize their impact on the environment and manage their industrial wastes” added Ms. Mutahi.

Danish Embassy Green Growth Counsellor, Mr. Jacob Fink Ferdinand highlighted the need to develop a new strategic direction for Kenya on plastics, particularly on plastics packaging and PET bottles.

“The Danish Embassy, under a strategic sector collaboration, has prioritized on developing a plastics packaging recycling strategy for Kenya – an initiative under the National Solid Waste Management Strategy. The development of the recycling strategy and its implementation calls for key players to work together in a trustful environment. All stakeholders have a role to play in creating best solutions for a new plastics economy for Kenya,” added Mr. Ferdinand.

Mr. Thomas Drustrup, Managing Director of the Danish Plastics Federation emphasized that waste management is everyone’s responsibility. “Plastic is an international challenge and the best way to solve it is through collaboration and adoption of best practices. Industry, consumers and authorities need to pitch in to promote waste management,” added Mr. Drustrup.

Last year, KAM launched a PET sector group with the industry’s commitment to manage solid waste in the country as a global best-practice. The PET sector Group has partnered with the Government to kick off an advocacy and PET recycling initiative.