HACO boosts Kenya’s circular economy with new plastic recycling partnership

KENYA – HACO Industries, a leading Kenyan manufacturer of fast-moving consumer goods like detergents and personal care products, has partnered with Mr. Green Africa, a Kenyan-based recycling start-up company, to launch a post-consumer recyclates (PCR) collection and take-back scheme. 

This collaboration aims to recover packaging waste from HACO’s products at the consumer level for recycling into new detergent packaging, with a target of up to 100% PCR content.

The initiative is part of HACO’s Chasing Zero Initiative, which promotes a circular economy by integrating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as required under Kenya’s Sustainable Waste Management Regulations 2024. 

As part of the agreement, Mr. Green Africa will process the collected plastics at its facility along Mombasa Road, where waste is sorted, baled, washed, crushed, and pelletized into high-quality PCR to replace virgin plastics. 

Peter Ndichu, Manufacturing Director at Haco Industries, stated, “By collaborating with Mr.Green Africa, we are strengthening the ability to take responsibility for our products beyond the point of sale.”

“Our Tickbox scheme, which seeks to pilot at 15 collaborating primary schools and Canada market operationalizes this principle by ensuring that the packaging that we place in the market is systematically corrected and integrated into the value chain.”

He added, “Mr. Green Africa brings expertise in large-scale correction, aggregation, and processing of post consumer recycle.”

HACO plans to reuse these pellets directly in its manufacturing, closing the loop on plastic waste from its consumer products.

HACO Industries emphasizes sustainability through recycling, biodegradable materials, and wastewater management in its Kenyan operations. 

Mr. Green Africa supports over 9,000 waste pickers via its social plastics model, integrating informal collectors into a formal value chain while producing ethically sourced PCR for brands.

Keiran Smith, Mr. Green Africa CEO, appreciated the partnership, stating, “We are humbled and grateful for celebrating today.”

“It is true that a sustainable value proposition is if we can collect locally, recycle locally and use the recycled material back into packaging locally or the local market.”

The scheme advances Kenya’s circular economy goals by reducing plastic pollution, creating jobs for waste workers, and encouraging consumer participation in recycling. 

It complements HACO’s other partnerships, including its partnership with Progreen Innovations for plastic-to-fuel conversion.

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