Manufacturers, Bakers partner to manage post-consumer plastic bread bags waste

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has partnered with Bakers Association of Kenya to manage post-consumer plastic bread bags waste in the country.

Under the partnership, the two Associations shall work together with stakeholders across the waste management value chain to promote a circular economy in the country.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, KAM Vice-Chair Mr Mucai Kunyiha noted that plastics have immense benefits, hence the need to integrate them into the circular economy in order to maximize their benefits.

“The role of the manufacturing sector in the circular economy rests in sustainable waste management. A huge opportunity remains in the waste management and recycling industry in Kenya. Investing in a circular economy is a sure way for sustainable economic growth since it helps reduce pressure on the environment, improves the security of the supply of raw materials, increases competitiveness, stimulates innovation, boosts economic growth and creates jobs by providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment,” said Mr Kunyiha.

Bakers Association of Kenya Chair, Mr Dipesh Shah committed to reducing plastic waste pollution in Kenya as part of efforts to keep the environment clean.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to manage waste in the country. With this partnership, we hope to play our role in managing plastic waste in the country. I am optimistic that Kenya shall achieve a circular economy because we have vibrant and extremely innovative stakeholders along the value chain who actively play a part in keeping our environment clean,” noted Mr Shah.

Under the partnership, KAM and Bakers Association of Kenya will work together to reduce plastic pollution arising from bread packaging in the country. This is part of KAM’s commitments as outlined in the Kenya Plastic Action Plan.

The private sector-led Plan seeks to enable a circular economy for the environmentally sustainable use and recycling of plastic in Kenya. It identifies specific actions that the public and private sector should undertake to achieve a circular economy, including waste management at the county level, formation and regulation of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes and establishment of recycling value chains and standards.