Manufacturers in Kenya under the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) last week endorsed a Global Charter on plastics. They did this by establishing the Kenya Plastics Action Plan, under the plan manufacturers are embarking on collaborative strategies towards the reuse and recycling of plastic waste. The Action Plan by the manufacturers resonates with the Ocean Plastics Charter, which is a long term private sector initiative on the sustainable manufacture, use and recycling of plastics.
By endorsing the Charter, manufacturers commit to, sustainable design, production and after use markets, plastic collection management and other systems infrastructure through Extended Producer Responsibility schemes and supporting research and innovation and new technologies.
While speaking at the event, Prof. Geoffrey Wahungu, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director General, had this to say, “I want to assure industry that we will work together to develop predictable policies. We are now focusing on a framework of partnerships that will ensure we achieve a common objective in waste management. We also want to see the progress of the KAM Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme, which is paramount in the management of waste.”
KAM Chair Mr. Sachen Gudka, had this to say, “We have been keen on promoting the establishment and implementation of plastics Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes by manufacturers across our membership. With the development of a Kenya Plastics Action Plan, KAM aims to bring the Ocean Plastics Charter to life within our national context.” He also noted that, development and progress of any economy goes hand in hand with waste management. Adding that, we are now at a critical juncture where we need to address best practices in particular regarding plastics.
Among the organizations that endorsed the Ocean Plastics Charter include Bidco Africa, Cooper K Brands Ltd, Coca Cola Beverages Africa, Unilever, Kenya Limited Melvins Tea and T3 Limited.