The recycled container plant, already under construction in the Athi River Export Processing Zone (EPZ), is expected to be completed by December 2024 and could become a model for environmentally friendly industrial design.
The project’s design incorporates recycled shipping containers as the main construction material, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of construction. The factory will also utilize solar energy and implement rainwater harvesting systems, further improving its sustainability features.
Once operational, the recycled shipping container plant is expected to save an estimated 18 tons of CO2 emissions annually and 1,000 cubic meters of water per year.
The 5,000 m² recycled container plant was financed by a $530,000 investment from USAID and a $1.3 million loan from TCA.
“This investment provides a great opportunity to build scalable and sustainable industrial space for apparel manufacturing and symbolizes our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Duncan Onyango, CEO of Trade Catalyst Africa. “By pioneering this unique industrial space, we are setting a new standard for the apparel industry, positioning Kenya and Africa as leaders in sustainable manufacturing.”
The global textile market, estimated at approximately US$1.5 trillion in 2020, offers significant growth opportunities for Kenya. The recycled container factory aligns with Kenya’s vision to transform into a newly industrialized, middle-income country.
By implementing sustainable practices in clothing and textile production, Kenya can increase its competitiveness in the global market and increase its export potential, while creating employment for women and providing training opportunities in the local community.
Naeem Pasta, CEO of Modular Real Estate EPZ Limited, a subsidiary of Container Technology Limited (CONTECH) and a joint venture partner in the project, added: “This project shows how innovative thinking and environmental responsibility can coexist exist, leading to economic growth and a healthier planet. We are proud to be part of this groundbreaking initiative.”
This news comes after the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, shared that the East African region had entered into an $11 million partnership agreement with the USAID in April 2024 to take the textiles and apparel sub-sector to a new level.
“The World’s First ‘Recycled Container Garment Factory Takes Shape in Kenya’ was originally created and published by Just Style, a brand owned by GlobalData.
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