This Startup is Turning Plastic Waste into Bricks And Empowering Uganda’s Susceptible Communities

Uganda is house to over 1,8 million refugees, making it one of many prime 5 internet hosting international locations on the planet. The 48 refugee settlements within the nation are largely overpopulated they usually exist in areas experiencing the worst types of environmental degradation.

Rising up within the Kyaka II Settlement, Ronald Mugaiga skilled the implications first-hand, to the purpose of contracting cholera when he was younger. This left him with slightly probability of survival however at the moment, he’s the founding father of Ecomak Recyclers, a startup that’s constructed to enhance waste administration throughout refugee settlements, encourage native companies to have a extra sustainable way of life, and promote the round economic system.

“Our mission is to assist the neighborhood by turning waste into reusable building supplies,” Mugaiga says.

Ecomak has developed a chemical-free and energy-saving exclusion expertise referred to as organo-technology that helps to extend the melting means of plastic whereas retaining the bodily parameters of the plastic. The plastic is then used to make bricks and blocks.

“The bricks are two instances stronger than standard bricks,” notes Mugaiga.” They’ve zero breakages as soon as used and they’re long-lasting and sturdy.

Probably the most compelling worth proposition for the usage of Ecomak bricks is the truth that the bricks are 30% cheaper than conventional bricks. Actual property and building corporations are the startup’s largest prospects.There’s a 700 million greenback building market in Uganda. Ecomak intends to seize simply 1% of this large market within the subsequent 5 years.

“Our purpose is to seize markets in most of  Uganda within the subsequent yr and broaden to the remainder of East Africa in 2-3 years,” says Ronald.

Ecomak has created over 100 jobs for underserved girls and youths within the communities of Kyaka II refugee settlement. Whereas enhancing incomes via the change of plastic waste for money, they’ve managed to gather and recycle over 30 tons of waste per 30 days. The impression the corporate is making on a poverty alleviation and environmental degree is unprecedented and the world will definitely be higher due to it!