Our emerging initiative
A women- and youth-led circular plastic economy
Lintel Ventures is advancing a circular plastic economy initiative led by women and youth groups in Nairobi. The model turns discarded plastic into a resource for local manufacturing, agriculture and environmental conservation — creating green jobs while reducing pollution.
The initiative is designed to align with these frameworks and goals. "Aligned with" does not mean endorsed by the named bodies. Potential partnerships — with county governments, NEMA, producer responsibility organisations, manufacturers, development partners, financiers and community groups — are intentions we are developing, not confirmed agreements.
The model
How plastic becomes a resource — eight steps
From community collection to pellets ready for manufacturing. The initiative is being developed; this is the value chain it is designed around.
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Community mobilisation and awareness
Working with women and youth groups, CBOs, self-help groups, waste pickers and local leaders to build participation.
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Collection of recyclable plastic
Recyclable plastic is collected from households, businesses and institutions in partner communities.
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Transport to aggregation centres
Collected material is moved to community aggregation centres for consolidation.
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Sorting by polymer, colour and quality
Material is sorted so only suitable recyclate enters processing.
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Washing, drying and inspection
Plastic is cleaned, dried and inspected for quality before shredding.
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Shredding into flakes
Clean plastic is shredded into flakes ready for conversion.
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Conversion into pellets by extrusion
Flakes are extruded into pellets that manufacturers can use as raw material.
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Sale or use in manufacturing
Pellets, flakes and finished products are supplied to manufacturers, farmers and projects.
Potential products
What the pellets could become
Products and markets below are potential — the initiative is emerging and these are the directions it is designed toward, not current production.
- Irrigation and drip systems
- Water pipes
- Plastic containers and packaging
- Construction and industrial products
- Flakes and pellets for manufacturers
Potential markets
Who could use them
- Farmers, agro-dealers and hardware stores
- Government projects and county programmes
- NGOs and development programmes
- Manufacturers needing recycled raw material
Community focus
Nairobi communities
Community focus areas are in Nairobi County, with possible expansion later.
- Kayole
- Soweto
- Njiru
- Ruai
- Pipeline
- Mukuru Kwa Njenga
- Mukuru Kwa Reuben
Who takes part
- Women and youth groups
- CBOs and self-help groups
- Waste pickers
- Local leaders
- Manufacturers
- County governments and development partners
- Financiers
Collection payments are linked to the weight, type and quality of material collected.
Goals
What the initiative is designed to achieve
Reduce plastic pollution in Nairobi communities
Divert recyclables from dumpsites and drains
Create green jobs for women and youth
Support local manufacturing with recycled material
Improve access to affordable irrigation products
Policy alignment
Designed to align with national frameworks
- Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda
- National Sustainable Waste Management Act
- Extended Producer Responsibility framework
- Kenya Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan
- SDGs 1, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 and 15
The initiative is designed to align with these frameworks and goals. "Aligned with" does not mean endorsed by the named bodies. Potential partnerships — with county governments, NEMA, producer responsibility organisations, manufacturers, development partners, financiers and community groups — are intentions we are developing, not confirmed agreements.
Take part
Partner with the initiative
We seek to collaborate with county governments, NEMA, producer responsibility organisations, manufacturers, development partners, financiers and community groups.