Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Twendegreen Eco cycle is a social enterprise that uses recycling technology to transform discarded plastic waste into affordable, durable and high quality lockable, school eco-desk that meets the needs of both students and teachers.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

At Twendegreen Eco cycle we collect plastic wastes from the informal settlements of Mombasa and in the oceans. After collecting the plastics we sort them according to their colors then we clean them and finally shred them into small pieces. After shredding we take the shredded plastics into a hot press and we compress it under high temperature and pressure to finally coming up with an Eco Board. We then cut the board and assemble it into School Eco Desks and other types of furniture.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

In Mombasa 120000 tons of wastes are generated annually, 20% of these wastes are plastics and only 5% of these plastics are recycled. So Twendegreen Eco cycle is solving the environmental issue of plastic waste pollution by collecting plastic waste from beaches and informal settlements in Mombasa and recycle it into affordable , durable and high quality lockable school Eco Desk.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Twendegreen Eco desks offer schools in Mombasa a range of benefits. They are made from recycled plastic, contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste. They are also Durable, weatherproof and require low maintenance saving school time and money. These desks are also fire resistant, enhancing safety to learners. Using Eco desks provides educational values by teaching students about environmental conservation instilling eco-conscious values to learners. Supporting this initiative creates a positive community impact by promoting sustainability and offering an affordable, Eco-friendly desk alternative.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

With the implementation of junior secondary schools in Kenya due to a change in the education curriculum, there is a pressing need for school desks. The insufficient number of desks in these schools presents a significant challenge. Twendegreen's Eco desks are uniquely positioned to address this need. Made from recycled plastics, these desks offer a sustainable solution that aligns with the government focus on environmental conservation. They are Durable, weatherproof, and low maintenance, making them ideal for the new schools. By targeting these junior secondary schools, Twendegreen can not only meet a critical demand but also promote sustainability and support the educational sector in Kenya.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-05-11

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Zainab Mahmoud, as the CEO brings leadership skills to Twendegreen. Her expertise lies in building strategic partnerships, which is crucial for the company's growth and sustainability. She has a proven track record of developing successful collaborations that drive positive impact. Lawrence Kosgei, in his role overseeing marketing, demonstrates a deep understanding of branding and communication strategies. He excels in creating compelling marketing campaigns that effectively reach and engage the target audience. His innovative approach helps Twendegreen stand out in a competitive market. Churchill Muriuki, with a background in chemical engineering , plays a vital role in ensuring the quality of Eco-desks. His technical expertise enables him to oversee the production process, ensuring that the desks meet high quality standards. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence contributes to Twendegreen's reputation for producing durable and environmentally friendly products.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

@twendegreen

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Waste management and Recycling industry

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Our startup ends poverty by creating and boosting local economies. Our recycling initiatives hires people from the informal settlements of Mombasa to collect and process plastic waste, providing stable employment and income. By us transforming waste into valuable Eco-desks we are improving Education infrastructure that helps break the cycle of poverty , making our efforts impactful in reducing poverty levels in the community.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

By us removing plastics waste in the environment we are improving soil and water quality, potentially benefiting agricultural practices and food production indirectly. We have also created jobs to several people in our community, so our employees may have better financial stability to afford food, indirectly contributing to reducing hunger.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

At Twendegreen we contribute to good health and well-being by improving environmental health through plastic waste reduction. Also by transforming plastic waste into Eco-desks we are creating a safer and a more sustainable environment for the pupils and the teachers. Additionally, providing stable employment improves the overall well-being of our workers and their families.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Twendegreen Eco-cycle promotes quality education by providing affordable, durable and high-quality school Eco-desks to schools in Mombasa. Our Eco-desks ensure a more comfortable learning environment that helps to address the shortage of school desks due to the change in curriculum in Kenya. By improving educational infrastructure , we enhance the learning experience for students, contributing to better educational outcomes. Additionally we also have Twendegreen school clubs whereby we educate the pupils the importance of segregating their wastes, through these efforts we are dedicated to foster quality education and brighter future for our youths.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

We Promote gender equality by providing equal opportunities for men and women in our workforce. We ensure that women are equally represented in all aspects of our operations, from plastic waste collection to desk manufacturing and management roles .Additionally ,our community outreach programs emphasize the importance of gender equality and sustainability, inspiring the next generation to uphold these values.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

At Twendegreen we promote decent work and economic growth by creating sustainable job opportunities and promoting inclusive economic growth. By collaborating with local waste collectors and employing individuals in the recycling and manufacturing process, we ensure decent work conditions and contribute to the local economy.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Our initiative of transforming plastic waste into school eco-desks showcases an innovative approach to waste management and product development. Also by integrating advanced recycling techniques and promoting the use of eco-friendly materials, we contribute to building resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

We are actively working to reduce inequalities within the communities of Mombasa by providing job opportunities to marginalized and low-income individuals hence promoting social inclusion and economic empowerment. Additionally, our focus on supplying affordable and durable school desks to undeserved schools ensures that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to quality education infrastructure, which is vital for breaking the cycle of poverty and inequalities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Our initiative of recycling plastic waste into Eco-desk tackles the challenge of plastic pollution in Mombasa enhancing urban sustainability. By creating functional eco-friendly desks we are not only enhancing the learning environments in schools but also fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within the communities.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Our start-up focuses on sustainable waste management by recycling plastic waste collected within the informal settlements and the beaches of Mombasa into durable school eco-desks. This process not only reduces plastic pollution but also transform wastes into valuable resources, promoting a circular economy. Our eco-friendly desk also minimizes the need of new raw materials, reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainable production practices.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

At Twendegreen Eco-cycle we tackle climate change by transforming plastic wastes into durable school eco-desks, significantly reducing environmental burden of plastic pollution. Our innovative recycling process minimizes the carbon footprint compared to produce new plastic products, contributing in a reduction of overall emissions. In addition our advocacy for tree planting and anti-deforestation efforts have helped in absorbing carbon dioxide which is a major greenhouse gas that contribute to global warming.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Twendegreen Eco-cycle is deeply committed to SDG 14, life below water goal by addressing marine pollution through actively collecting plastic waste from the shores of the beaches and the informal settlements of Mombasa. By doing this we are preventing these plastic waste from ending into the ocean. By recycling this plastic into durable school Eco-desks, we not only reduce environmental pollution but also promote sustainable practices. Through our efforts, we not only protect marine life but also inspire a community-wide movement towards cleaner oceans. Twendegreen is more than a business, it's a mission to safeguard our planet's precious aquatic life for future generations.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Our startup is passionately dedicated to life on land, by playing a crucial role in conserving terrestrial ecosystems through transforming plastic waste into useful school Eco-desks. By collecting plastic waste from beaches and informal settlements, we prevent land pollution and protect wildlife habitats from plastic contamination. Our community sensitization programs educate locals on the importance of waste segregation and the harmful impacts of plastic on land ecosystems. These initiatives cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility, ensuring communities understand their role in preserving land health. Moreover our advocacy for tree planting and anti-deforestation efforts highlights our commitment to restoring and protecting terrestrial environments.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Twendegreen Eco-cycle is a champion of SDG 17, partnerships for the Goals. Our startup thrives on collaboration, working hand-in-hand with schools, communities, and local governments to promote environmental sustainability. By establishing school clubs and community sensitization programs, we foster a network of informed and motivated individuals dedicated to tackling plastic pollution. Our advocacy for eco-friendly practices and waste management builds a broader coalition of supporters and partners committed to environmental conservation. We also engage with diverse organizations, from educational institutions to government bodies, creating powerful multi-stakeholder partnerships that drive collective progress.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our school Eco-desks from Twendegreen Eco-cycle represent an innovative approach to traditional products. While they aren't entirely new, they introduce a sustainable twist by using recycled plastic, making them more durable and eco-friendly. This can be seen as a new technology in the context of school furniture, leveraging modern recycling techniques. As an improvement on existing desks, our Eco desks are weatherproof, fire-resistant, and require no maintenance, addressing the shortcomings of conventional materials. They extend the range of eco-friendly products, fitting seamlessly with other sustainable solutions. Our desks respond to an unmet need for environmentally conscious and resilient school furniture, providing a responsible alternative to traditional options. Thus we can describe them as a new version of an old product, blending the familiar with innovative, sustainable practices to create a better solution for today's educational needs.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors include manufactures of traditional school desks made from wood or metal, and companies producing eco-friendly furniture from recycled materials. Competitors in the recycled plastic products market, such as those creating furniture or building materials, also pose competition. What makes us stand out from our competitors is our comprehensive approach to sustainability and community impact. Our desks are made from recycled plastic, making them weatherproof, fire-resistant, and maintenance free, offering superior durability compared to traditional desks.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

To promote female entrepreneurs at Twendegreen Eco-cycle we are fostering an inclusive work environment that truly supports gender diversity. By doing this we are creating a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to grow. Alongside this, we engage in community outreach to educate and empower women in our community, encouraging them to explore entrepreneurial paths