THE PROBLEM

Plastic leakage into the environment is set to double to 44 million tonnes a year, disproportionately impacting the global south.

Annually in Kenya, 428,000 tonnes of plastic waste is uncollected or improperly disposed of while 37,000 tonnes leaks into the ocean. With waste generation projected to skyrocket up to 40% for LMICs by 2050, the disproportionate burden on low-income communities is likely to escalate beyond control.

Like many shoreline communities, the Lamu Archipelago lacks formal waste structures, systems, and policies. Our own 2022 baseline survey showed that the majority of plastic waste was dumped (45.9%), burned (39.8%) and buried (17.1%).

If sustainable waste management systems are not put in place now, the burden, particularly on shoreline communities like ours will be impossible to address.

THE SOLUTION

A community-centred plastics value chain with on-site research, innovation and a training centre.

The Flipflopi Project uses a systemic approach to build working replicable models for the circularity of plastics in peri-urban areas that have little-to-no waste management and rapidly growing populations. 

We are pioneering the community-centred approach across the Lamu Archipelago, Kenya, localising recycling and culturally-relevant production for income generation for the local community, building skills through vocational training, while advocating for the elimination of single-use plastics at a local and regional level.

Watch the video to find out how we do it!

COMMUNITY-LED PLASTIC RECOVERY

We incentivise plastic waste recovery through a community-led cash-on-collections model. 

Our Material Recovery Facility (MRF) serves the entire archipelago, creating networks and systems co-designed by our communities. We are trialling different models from household collection to incentivised recovery programs while working closely with government and international partners to establish the foundations to avoid recyclable plastics ending up in the environment, burnt or discarded in the ocean. Since our programme began, surveys highlight a significant reduction of plastics in dumpsites, as well as a marked reduction in GHG emissions.

If you’d like to visit our facility in Lamu and witness our model first-hand we offer factory tours, sunset sails and an opportunity to carve with our team of heritage carvers. For more information, click here.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT MANUFACTURING

Skilled artisans transform recycled plastic lumber into beautiful and durable heritage furniture and artisanal boats. Through this localised circular economy approach, we aim to subsidize waste management in peri-urban shoreline communities while also preserving the ancient indigenous craftsmanship that is in danger of dying out. Since 2022 we have prototyped over 40 unique products and are preparing for the market. Efforts to increase our financial sustainability, improve efficiency and identify opportunities for peer learning are continually being explored.

Check out our furniture designs below.

PLASTIC RECOVERY AND RECYCLING FACILITY

With a throughout capacity of 2 tons a day currently (sorting, washing, crushing and extrusion), our facility has been designed as a test-to-transition model backed by robust data-management systems and our R&D team who are continuously developing appropriate technologies and systems to improve efficiency and quality.

We have now stabilised our operations producing high quality plastic planks from HDPE and PP and now working towards increasing the range of polymers to produce useful building materials like plastic sheets. 

INNOVATION AND TRAINING CENTRE

Our manufacturing facility is coupled to a Training Centre (including an accredited course with the Lamu County Polytechnic) which runs regular courses to prepare youth to enter into the circular economy industry,  while fostering indigenous practices such as dhow-building and furniture-making. There is significant potential given our continent’s inherent reuse and repair culture while also addressing education gaps and preserving indigenous craftsmanship.

Learn more about our educational activities below.

LOCAL POLICY ENGAGEMENT

A full-systems approach requires legislative action. Flipflopi regularly participates in policy development with the local government and leads efforts towards harmonisation of regional policy in the East African Community.

Learn more about our advocacy work below.

Flipflopi x CMA CGM: An initiative to remove plastic, reduce waste and restore mangroves in Siyu, Pate Island

The initiative is taking place in Siyu - a gazetted historical site dating back to the 15th century on Pate island. Home to approx ~3000 acres of mangrove forest, this remote island receives plastics from across the world.

We have partnered with CMA CGM to conduct regular mangrove clean-ups, set up a household collection scheme ensuring all recovered plastics are recycled or managed appropriately and have also set up a mangrove nursery to restore damaged forests.

OUR MODEL IN ACTION

We have been pioneering this innovative model since 2022, and seeing the potential for replicability in other remote shoreline communities. 

Environmental Impact

To-date we have recovered ~300 tonnes of post-consumer plastic that would otherwise have been destined for the ocean, with 268+ tonnes of co2 emissions avoided. 

Social Impact

Social surveys have shown well-being and livelihood improvements for employees and collectors. 

A recent UNCTAD and UK-FCDO study showed our model as having a remarkable impact on health with a projected life gain up to  24 years for every 1000 tons that  is recovered and turned into useful long-lasting materials like our artisanal boats.  The study also factored in the health and environmental risks that come with recycling.

Our team is approximately 50% women including training some of Lamu’s first female carpenters and boat builders.