Abuja, 20 March 2025 – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and with funding support from the Government of Japan, has commissioned an advanced recycling technology upgrade as part of the ongoing project, “Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices”. This project underscores UNIDO’s commitment to fostering sustainable solutions for plastic management in Nigeria. 

The commissioning ceremony marked the deployment of cutting-edge recycling equipment at Environmental Expressions Limited, a plastic waste recycling company in Abuja, Nigeria, selected as a pilot beneficiary. This milestone investment highlights the crucial role of innovation in improving production efficiency, enhancing product quality, and addressing Nigeria’s pressing plastic waste challenges, particularly the recycling of water sachets and polyethylene (PE) film, which is one of the items hard to recycle due to the economic feasibility.  

With the newly commissioned technology, including a state-of-the-art Laser Filter System and Sand Remover System, the process will be able to optimize the recycling process by minimizing production interruptions, improving the quality of raw materials, reducing water and energy consumption, and increasing overall operational efficiency, therefore improving economic feasibility of the recycling. These advancements will significantly boost the capacity to recycle plastic waste, ensuring that more waste is diverted from dumpsites and reintegrated into productive use, therefore reducing plastics leaking to the environment. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment, commended the commitment of local industries and stakeholders who have embraced the vision of a circular economy. He emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “As we commission this cutting-edge technology, I urge manufacturers, policymakers, and communities to intensify efforts in promoting responsible plastic consumption and waste management in Nigeria and beyond.” 

Hitoshi Kosaki, Deputy Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, applauded the collaborative efforts underpinning the project. “Today’s handover represents the next step in our approach to establishing circular economy practices within Nigeria's plastic value chains. The Laser Filter System and Sand Remover System being handed over are innovative initiatives that will help Nigeria address its challenging plastic waste management issues, especially with water sachets and polyethylene film, making recycling more efficient and effective,” he remarked. 

Osuji Otu, UNIDO National Programme Officer, representing the UNIDO Regional Director, emphasized the importance of technological innovation in tackling plastic pollution. “These technologies will minimize production interruptions, improve raw material quality, and enhance overall operational efficiency, ensuring that more plastic waste is effectively recycled rather than ending up in dumpsites or the environment.” 

Speaking on the importance of sustainable solutions to plastic pollution, Habib Ahmed, CEO of Environmental Expressions Limited, stated, “People need clean drinking water, and while plastic sachets serve that need, they also pose a major environmental challenge. We believe that with the right management, this problem can be curtailed. Our journey began a decade ago, and despite challenges—such as plastic waste picking up impurities when disposed of in the environment—we remain committed to finding sustainable solutions.” 

This initiative is part of UNIDO’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s plastic value chain by integrating sustainable solutions that promote circular economy principles. Additionally, to further enhance plastic waste management efforts, the project previously supported the deployment of automated collection through locally fabricated Reverse Vending Machines, which are currently being installed in Abuja to encourage efficient waste collection and promote responsible recycling behaviors. 

The successful implementation of this project will not only improve the efficiency of plastic waste recycling but also support Nigeria’s commitment to reducing plastic pollution, fostering a cleaner environment, and advancing sustainable industrial development. 

For further information, please contact: 
Nahomi Nishio 
Industrial Development Expert 
UNIDO 
Email