Almot Maqolo, Staff Writer 
PIPING products manufacturer Proplastics targets to recycle 90 percent of its production waste as part of its strong commitment to Environmental, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) principles.
This comes after the group commissioned a new recycling plant which increased reusing production waste generated.
The plant has improved production efficiencies and reduced energy use through automated mixing. Additionally, automated mixing has declined needless spills from handling multiple materials.
Proplastics’ board chairman, Gregory Sebborn, said in a 2023 sustainability report that these improvements significantly lessen the group’s environmental impact.
“The five-year plan target of recycling 90 percent of production waste generated has been reviewed by year-end 2023 and it remains an optimistic target,” he said.
“Emissions from our processes remain in the blue band and compliant with the regulatory standards. Compliance with legal and other requirements remains our key focus with zero penalties recorded in the year under review.”
Many chemical products are needed by Proplastics in order for their activities to be carried out effectively. However, it tries to choose chemicals with formulations that are as environmentally friendly as possible.
Proplastics has earmarked US$1,3 million for capital expenditure this year, a substantial 325 percent increase from the previous year. This expenditure will be financed from internal resources and existing facilities, according to the company.
The move aims to enhance capacity and meet both domestic and regional demand. The company is keen on expanding its exports into the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Encouraging gains have already been observed in markets such as Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia.
In 2023, the company’s capital expenditure amounted to US$306 000. During that period, Proplastics invested in a new 500-mm production plant.
Proplastics anticipates demand for irrigation pipes, borehole casing and newly introduced tanks to improve, driven by drought mitigation-related projects.
The country is currently facing its worst drought in years, leading to increased investment in drought mitigation efforts, such as irrigation projects and borehole drilling.
