By Jean Claude Mutuyeyezu
Since 2004, Rwanda has undertaken a nationwide initiative to reduce the consumption and production of single-use plastics.
Rwanda was the first country in the African region to introduce legislation banning plastic and is now recognised as one of the few countries globally to have taken progressive action against plastic pollution.
The capital city, Kigali, is considered one of the cleanest urban areas on the African continent, fostering a strong sense of national pride among citizens who take great pride in their clean and green country.
Inside the Biobag Plant in Kinyinya, Kigali
Government investment in alternatives has boosted employment and supported local businesses transitioning to the production of environmentally friendly products, alongside the growing adoption of reusable alternatives.
Both national and international private sector actors became involved; this is why Arth Biobag Ltd launched its operations in Rwanda in 2020.
This Indian-owned factory chose to establish its operations in Rwanda due to the country’s strong environmental protection policies.
Sidharth Bohra, the Founder and Managing Director, emphasised:“We are providing eco-friendly packaging solutions. Rwanda, being a pioneer in banning plastic and taking bold steps to protect the environment, is the ideal place for us to begin. The home-compostable polymers we use are made from plant-based materials. They do not require specific conditions to decompose — when placed in the soil, they naturally break down rather than ending up in landfill.”
Production machines in operation…
In the early stages, the factory’s managers and staff went into the field to develop prototypes and collaborated with research institutions.
They worked closely with the Rwanda Standards Board and international research centres in India to help identify suitable polymers and facilitate market access.
The factory has a production capacity of 1,200 metric tonnes per year when operating a single shift. With a double shift, output increases to 2,400 metric tonnes, and with a triple shift, the factory can produce up to 3,600 metric tonnes annually.
Who are the main customers of Arth Biobag?
According to the factory’s management, anyone requiring packaging materials can benefit from these eco-friendly products. Hotels, supermarkets, and individual consumers are all encouraged to make use of biodegradable bags.
In contrast to environmentally harmful methods such as “waste-to-energy” incineration and landfilling, Rwanda’s approach to plastic waste management has focused on the enforcement of robust policies. This strategy has delivered significant environmental, social, and economic benefits.
