Karam enterprises DMCC Ltd is a company that engages in recycling plastic waste. Established in 2005, the company buys plastic waste and converts it into granules which are raw material for other plastic manufacturing companies. Shariq Haneef, the Kenya Country Director talks to The African Executive

A.E: What motivated the creation of such a company in Kenya?

Haneef: The environment is a major concern everywhere, since this particular sector is still not developed in Kenya, and plastic waste is plenty, we found it worthwhile to try out business on this.

A.E: How can plastics be used more creatively to generate wealth? 

Haneef: Recycling. This creates both direct and indirect employment to the population, thereby adding to the GDP of the country, as well as imparting purchasing power to the poor. The industry is labor intensive. 

A.E: Can anyone sell waste plastics to you?

Haneef: Yes. Anyone can be a supplier. We have suppliers who accumulate the waste product and bring to us after some it. 

A.E: How do people learn that you need plastic waste? 

Haneef: Once in a while we advertise on the local newspapers. People also learn about us through word of mouth. We also work closely with National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Nairobi City Council. 

A.E: Once you have the plastic waste, what happens? 

Haneef: We sort the waste because it comes with all sorts of unnecessary material such as mud. This is followed by grinding,  crashing, washing and drying hence forming granules.

A.E: What kind of plastics does your company handle?

Haneef: We recycle high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene - containers, jerry cans, buckets, baskets, crates and household items among others.  

A.E: How much do you pay while procuring plastics?  

Haneef: We buy between Kshs. 12 to 18 per kilogram.. 

A.E: Who are your major clients?

Haneef: In Kenya, we are currently supplying to major companies that deal with household items such as Crown Industries, Halar Ltd, Tuff foam Ltd, and Paras Industries among others.  

A.E: How do you outdo your competitors? 

Haneef:  We adopt new techniques, ensure we have quality production and have a good business relationship with our suppliers and clients. In business, one has to handle customers carefully. You can lose all of them in seconds if you are not careful.

A.E: How many employees do you have? 

Haneef: Currently we have 68 employees who work in shifts. We have the day and the night shift.

A.E: Do you have any other branches?  

Haneef:  Yes. Our parent company is in India. It has been in operation since 1983 and we have another branch in Dubai which is 5 years old.

A.E: What do you think is the general impact of your company to environmental conservation?  

Haneef: We check on environmental pollution and degradation as well as contribute in giving our future generations a clean and healthy environment.

A.E: Environmentalists are up in arms that plastics are a menace to society. What is your opinion on this?

Haneef: Only concerted efforts by all sectors of the society will deliver. Mere rhetoric and holding seminars, conferences will not help. What is needed is practical and swift action.

A.E: What challenges do you get as a plastic industry player?

Haneef: Our finished product is on high demand but we  face problems in procuring the plastic waste. It is such a major hurdle we are facing.  Other challenges include the high cost of production.

A.E: Any form of advice to the unemployed youth who have not been able to spot such an opportunity?  

Haneef: The youth must unlock their potential and maximize on any available resources. They must be ready to face challenges and strive towards achieving their mission. In business, one has to be prepared to meet people from different backgrounds, with different beliefs among others. But despite all this, the sky should be your limit.