On August 30, 2022, Kenya Plastics Pact published a roadmap outlining targets and steps necessary to reach the primary goal of eliminating plastic waste by 2030. The roadmap consists of 4 main targets: (i) Eliminate unnecessary or problematic single-use plastic packaging items through redesign, innovation, and reuse delivery models, (ii) 100% of plastic packaging is reusable or recyclable, (iii) 40% of plastic packaging is effectively recycled, and (iv) plastic packaging on average contains 15% recycled content.
For each target Kenya Plastics Pact outlined a series of steps to reach the goal by 2030. For the first target of eliminating unnecessary plastics the Pact will define a list of those items to share with members and other businesses in Kenya. Plastics pacts in the US and elsewhere have also created and over time updated such lists.
“Effective recycling” in the third target is meant to clarify that not only does the plastic packaging have the potential to be recycled but the plastic waste gets put into a recycling bin and is also properly processed. An example of improper recycling is plastic films, which have recently been investigated in Europe and found to be exported and burned instead of being recycled (FPF reported).
The Kenya Plastics Pact was first launched in October 2021 (FPF reported). There are now 34 members of the Pact and the Roadmap is its first major output. Food brands and retailers that are part of the pact are included in the Food Packaging Forum’s brand and retailer initiatives database.
Reference
Kenya Plastics Pact (August 2022). “Roadmap to 2030.”
Read more
Sustainable Inclusive Business (August 30, 2022). “Roadmap to 2030, Kenya Plastics Pact releases its National Strategy.” Business Ghana
