New Japanese technology boosts plastic recycling

From the newsletter

The Nigerian government has launched an upgraded Plastic Polyethylene Manufacturing Technology to promote plastic recycling. Funded by Japan and implemented by the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the technology features a state-of-the-art Laser Filter and Sand Remover System designed to enhance efficiency, reduce waste leakage and support the country’s transition to a circular economy.

• The new technology represents a major improvement over existing recycling methods. Traditionally, plastic recycling in Nigeria has relied on basic mechanical sorting and washing, which struggled to remove impurities like sand and debris, leading to low-quality recycled materials, frequent production halts and high water and energy consumption.

• The Laser Filter System and Sand Remover System claim to minimise production interruptions, improve the quality of raw materials, reduce water and energy consumption and increase overall operational efficiency.

More details

• The commissioning of the technology was marked by its deployment at Environmental Expressions Limited, a plastic waste recycling company in Abuja, which was selected as the pilot beneficiary.
  The initiative is part of UNIDO’s project titled 'Promoting Sustainable Plastics Value Chains Through Circular Economy Practices,' aimed at improving Nigeria’s plastic waste management through technological advancements.

•  The project previously supported the deployment of automated collection through locally fabricated Reverse Vending Machines, which are currently being installed in Abuja to encourage efficient waste collection and promote responsible recycling behaviors.

•  “The transition to a circular economy is no longer an option but a necessity. By shifting from a linear model where plastics are produced, used and discarded to a circular approach, we ensure that plastic materials remain in the economy for as long as possible,” Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal said.

• The technology represents significant advancements in plastic recycling, addressing long standing inefficiencies in waste processing. The Laser Filter System uses lasers to identify and separate impurities from plastic waste, such as dirt, ink and other contaminants. This technology enhances the purity of recycled plastic, enabling it to be reused in high-quality manufacturing processes, thereby reducing the demand for virgin plastic.

• In contrast, the Sand Remover System tackles the issue of embedded sand and debris that often results from environmental exposure. Using specialised mechanisms, this system removes these contaminants, ensuring that the recycled plastic is clean and ready for reuse. Together, these systems improve the quality of recycled materials, minimise production interruptions and reduce the need for water and energy, thereby boosting overall recycling efficiency.

• The improved efficiency has a direct impact on Africa’s growing plastic pollution problem. With much of the continent’s plastic waste often ending up in landfills or open dumpsites, these innovations offer a sustainable alternative by ensuring that more plastic is diverted from waste streams and reintegrated into productive use. As recycling becomes more effective, it presents a vital solution to this pressing environmental issue.

• Beyond environmental benefits, the ability of these technologies to reduce operational costs and boost recycling productivity supports the formalisation of waste management systems. Many African countries still rely on informal and inefficient waste collection systems, with informal workers playing a significant role. By introducing advanced technologies, there’s an opportunity to integrate these workers into more organised, scalable recycling operations, fostering a more inclusive and efficient waste management framework.

• The scalability of such technology aligns with global sustainability trends while also addressing local challenges. It promotes better resource management, encouraging waste reduction and material reuse. For African nations, embracing these advancements can lead to the development of more sustainable systems, where resources are kept in circulation for as long as possible, reducing reliance on virgin materials.

• As these technologies take root, they also create new opportunities for green job creation. With more efficient recycling operations, demand will grow for workers in areas such as waste management, equipment maintenance and technology deployment. This shift opens economic opportunities for communities traditionally involved in informal waste collection, empowering them with access to better tools and systems and contributing to an overall more sustainable economy.

Our take

• Advanced recycling technologies offer African nations the opportunity to reduce raw material dependency, enhance environmental responsibility and build more efficient waste management systems, supporting both sustainable development and long-term economic growth.

• Investing in cutting-edge recycling solutions positions African countries askey players in the green economy thereby accelerating economic growth, promotes resource sustainability and opens new opportunities for innovation and investment.

• To fully harness the potential of advanced recycling technologies, Africa must formalise waste management systems and integrate informal workers into structured recycling value chains. Without these steps, the transformative benefits of these technologies may be limited.