Weeco, Chinese plastic bottle recycling company has announced its decision to set up its second Kenya factory in Mombasa at an estimated cost of Sh600 million. The factory, to start operations in August will collect and recycle plastic bottles into pellets to be converted into fiber and garments for sale in Kenya and other markets. It will initially produce over 5,000 tonnes of plastic bottles per month, and double the production next year. The company also revealed a further plan to set up another plant in the Special Economic Zone in Mombasa at a cost of $6 million. Weecco already has a factory in Athi River’s Special Economic Zone that currently recycles between 1,000 to 5,000 plastic bottles per month. The pellets extracted are being exported back to China to its parent company for the manufacture of polyester clothing fiber. The company claims to provide a lasting solution to the challenge posed by post-consumer PET bottles, contribute employment opportunities, revenue for the exchequer and improve the standards of living for the collectors who will be supplying to the company.
