Ekonomia ya Bluu

Plastic waste poses a significant threat to the marine environment in Kenya, with an estimated 82 million lbs of plastic waste discharged each year into the Indian Ocean. Lack of formal waste management practices means many plastics and other materials are dumped or burnt. Polypropylene (PP) is one such plastic that is not collected, and is the most likely plastic type to end up in the natural environment Kenya (it is identified as a 'hotspot polymer' by the UNEP).

Project Ekonomia ya Bluu works to change this. The collaboration between rePurpose Global and Vintz Plastics enables the collection and ethical recycling of single-use PP (such as bottle caps, yogurt pots, and prescription bottles) into plastic pellets, which can be used instead of virgin plastics in product manufacturing. The informal waste collectors associated with the project are paid fair prices for this additional material, increasing their income opportunities.