A group of multinational firms with operations in Africa have come together to launch the Africa Plastics Recycling Alliance, in a bid to reduce the problem of plastic waste across the world.
The Alliance aims to turn the current challenge of plastic waste in sub-Saharan Africa to an opportunity to create jobs and commercial activity by improving the collection and recycling of plastics.
The companies, which are, Diageo, Unilever, The Coca-Cola Company, Nestlé and Promasido, will facilitate and support their local subsidiaries to engage proactively in the market level, public and private partnerships, industry collaboration and alliances, The Point learnt.
They will share knowledge, encourage innovation and collaborate on technical and other solutions appropriate for sub-Saharan Africa as well as participate in local pilot initiatives. In addition, they will engage with the investment community, policy makers and others to accelerate the development and financing of the necessary waste management infrastructure and systems, it was also gathered.
Speaking on behalf of the Alliance, the Head, Diageo in Society Africa, Mr. Gabriel Opoku-Asare, said unfortunately, lack of collection and recycling capacity in many African markets, coupled with growing populations, is creating a problem of plastic waste disposal.
“Plastics will remain an important packaging material if we are to give African consumers the safe and affordable products they need. However, we need to ensure that the packaging used ends up in the right
place.”
Opoku-Asare further explained 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.”
