(Nairobi, Kenya—October 2019) Silafrica, a cutting-edge, best-in-class manufacturer of plastic and packaging solutions for corporations, consumer packaged goods (CPGs) and consumers, is rapidly emerging as an innovator in the sustainable circular economy movement, which promotes reducing waste and opting for more reusing and recycling in the manufacturing process.
While Silafrica is already committed to creating responsible, sustainable solutions that respect the Earth and its inhabitants, the company has significantly strengthened that commitment in recent months by becoming a platinum sponsor and participant in the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). Established in 1959, KAM represents the entire manufacturing sector in Kenya. Over time KAM has become “a dynamic, vibrant, credible and respected business association that unites industrialists and offers a common voice for businesses” and an essential advocacy group that represents its members and their concerns in dealing with the government and other relevant authorities.
Silafrica Group Executive Director Akshay Shah, who is gaining ground as a thought leader in a circular economy, has taken an active role in KAM, participating in several events with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and circular economies. Through panel discussions and presentations at KAM events, he frequently discusses his activities and future plans to promote a circular economy in East Africa. In fact, Silafrica is already enabling a circular economy in Kenya and Ethiopia with support from KAM.
Shah was actively involved in several KAM events in September 2019, including a high-level panel discussion on waste management where he was a panelist; a CEOs Sustainability Conference; a Youth Sustainability Conference where he again served as a panelist; and a World Cleanup Day Celebration where he and Group CEO Gavin Dehning were participants.
Shah noted, “The topic of sustainability and circular economy is important because, for example, from a manufacturing perspective we largely import raw materials then add value internally in our factories. However, this is still very linear because once the goods are consumed, they end up getting dumped as opposed to going back into the cycle.” He added, “In a circular economy, our waste goes back into the cycle and becomes a resource, which then creates more opportunities in areas such as reusing, manufacturing and recycling. This then strengthens the economy.”
Silafrica is constantly developing new ways to minimize the amount of raw materials needed for manufacturing by sourcing the most innovative technology solutions available. Silafrica’s efforts have helped to minimize packaging and manufacturing waste, and they have established a rigorous recycling program at all of their facilities. In addition, Silafrica is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include 17 global goals set by the U.N. General Assembly in 2015 for year 2030.
About Silafrica: Silafrica is an award-winning manufacturer and supplier of plastic and packaging solutions for corporations, consumer packaged goods (CPGs) and consumers alike. With headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, it has manufacturing hubs in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia, and serves clients in these countries as well as Uganda, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and others throughout Africa. Its client roster includes leading global and African CPG brands who use packaging applications for primary and secondary consumer and industrial rigid packaging, and secondary flexible industrial packaging. Business sectors served include the fastest growing segments within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) space such as food, beverage, personal care, home care, the construction space such as paint & chemicals, as well as the general logistics needs of the distribution and supply chains in the agricultural and consumer sectors.
For more information, please visit: www.silafrica.com.
