Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

My project involves using plastic waste in our environment as raw material to produce polyester threads and filaments which can be used in the production of quality clothing, bags and many other accessories.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Polyester which is the most traded synthetic fiber in the world is sourced from petroleum. The production of this fiber to meet market demand results in the release of harmful substances in the environment due to its raw material. My project aims at tapping into this fast growing market, however, instead of petroleum, the raw material we use is plastic waste. Majority of the plastic waste in our environment is made up of polyethylene terapthelate which shares the same source as polyester. My project processes this plastic waste into molten polyester which are then drawn into yarn and threads. The threads we produce out of these plastic wastes share the same quality as the ones used in majority of the clothing we wear. The threads we produce can also be used for other textile materials. Ghana imports large quantities of polyester annually for our textile industry. Our project would reduce our dependence on imported polyester by creating it from the plastic waste in our environment.

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

My project directly tackles two major problems which are our dependance on imported polyester and environmental pollution. According to the annual international trade statistics, Ghana imported $5 million worth of synthetic fibers only in 2023. 85% of these synthetic fibers we imported were polyester. This negatively affects textile traders and also our economy. My project tackles this by producing polyester out plastic waste which matches the quality of the fibers we import. This presents us with an unlimited supply of raw material and reduces our dependence on imported materials. This project also tackles environmental pollution by getting rid of the plastic waste in our landfills, drainage systems and waterbodies. These plastic waste release harmful gases into our atmosphere which leads to climate change. With this project, we are turning this ecological nuisance into a means for profit.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1. By producing polyester locally from recycled plastic waste, the project reduces Ghana's dependence on imported polyester, which can save substantial foreign exchange and lower costs for the local textile industry. The project also creates jobs in various stages of the process, from waste collection and sorting to processing and manufacturing, thereby stimulating local economic growth and providing employment opportunities. 2. The project significantly reduces plastic waste in the environment by recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into usable polyester threads. This approach helps to mitigate pollution, decrease landfill use, and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. 3. The polyester threads produced from recycled plastic waste maintain the same high quality as those made from petroleum. This presents a sustainable alternative for the textile industry to thrive on.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

The product primarily serves the textile industry, including manufacturers of clothing and other textile materials, by providing a high-quality, sustainable alternative to traditional polyester threads. Textile manufacturers can use these threads to produce various fabric-based products, helping them reduce their environmental footprint. Fashion designers and brands benefit by incorporating eco-friendly materials into their products, aligning with growing consumer demand for sustainability. Locally, the project significantly impacts the economy by creating jobs at various stages, including waste collection, processing, and textile manufacturing. This boosts local economies by providing employment and supporting livelihoods. Additionally, producing polyester locally from recycled plastic waste reduces the need for imports, saving foreign exchange and lowering costs for local textile businesses.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-01-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

1) Musah Sulemana holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University for Development Studies (UDS), graduating in 2023. With a strong foundation in accounting principles and practices, Musah brings expertise in financial analysis, auditing, and budget management to the team. He is detail-oriented, analytical, and possesses excellent problem-solving skills. Throughout his academic journey, Musah has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a drive to continuously improve his skills in the field of accounting. He is a valuable asset to the team, contributing a keen eye for financial detail and a dedication to achieving organizational objectives.

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

https://youtu.be/NnXvM4dEfYs?si=IzMRp3ZCLbNRoZ_M

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

This project would provide employment opportunities for women in local communities. By setting up facilities to collect, process, and convert plastic waste into polyester threads, this project would create numerous job opportunities in various roles such as waste collection, processing, quality control, and administration. We ensure that a significant portion of these jobs are accessible to women which can help empower them economically.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

By converting plastic waste into polyester, my project enhances resource efficiency and reduces dependence on imported raw materials. This can lead to cost savings and stimulate local economic activity. Also, establishing a local industry for polyester production can stimulate economic growth by retaining value within the country rather than exporting capital for imports. This helps build a more self-reliant economy. Meeting local demand for polyester through recycling initiatives can create new markets and opportunities for growth, especially as global awareness and demand for sustainable products increase. This project would create numerous jobs across various sectors such as waste collection, recycling, processing, and textile manufacturing. This inclusivity extends opportunities to a broader segment of the population, including marginalized groups.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

By developing technology to convert plastic waste, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET), into polyester fibers, this project fosters innovation in the recycling industry. This involves creating efficient methods for collecting, sorting, cleaning and processing plastic waste into high-quality polyester yarn. Investing in research and development to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the recycling process can lead to new technologies and methodologies that can be adopted industry-wide. This can set new standards for recycling practices and polyester production. Also, utilizing plastic waste as a raw material for polyester production reduces reliance on petroleum, which is a finite resource. This sustainable approach minimizes environmental impact and promotes the circular economy, where waste materials are repurposed into valuable products.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

This project will reduce inequalities among countries by establishing facilities to process plastic waste into polyester threads, this would create employment opportunities for marginalized and disadvantaged groups, including low-income individuals and communities. Also, by producing polyester locally, the project would reduce the country's reliance on imported polyester. This can help keep more money within the local economy, fostering economic growth and reducing trade imbalances. Providing affordable, locally-produced polyester threads can support local textile industries, enhancing their competitiveness and sustainability.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By collecting and processing plastic waste, this project helps reduce the amount of waste in the environment, leading to cleaner cities and human settlements. This can improve the overall quality of life for residents.Promoting effective waste management practices contributes to sustainable urban living by reducing landfills and pollution. Also, this project Provides employment opportunities in waste collection, processing, and polyester thread production which can stimulate the local economy. This helps in creating inclusive job markets, especially if efforts are made to employ marginalized groups, including women and low-income individuals.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

This project promotes climate action by transforming plastic waste into polyester threads, thereby reducing environmental pollution and lowering the reliance on petroleum-based raw materials. This innovative recycling process helps mitigate the harmful effects of plastic waste, which is a significant contributor to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. By diverting plastic waste from landfills and oceans, the project not only decreases the pollution that threatens marine and terrestrial ecosystems but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with producing new polyester from petroleum. The local production of polyester threads from recycled plastic also reduces the need for importing polyester, which typically involves extensive transportation and associated emissions. This localized approach minimizes the carbon emissions related to shipping and transportation, contributing to a smaller overall carbon footprint.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

The project contributes to the "Life on Land" Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) by addressing the environmental impact of plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices in the textile industry. By repurposing plastic waste, which predominantly consists of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), into polyester threads, the project reduces the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and natural environments. This directly mitigates the harm that plastic waste causes to terrestrial ecosystems, including soil degradation and pollution that can harm wildlife and disrupt natural habitats. Moreover, by substituting petroleum-based polyester production with recycled materials, the project lessens the dependency on fossil fuels and reduces the release of harmful substances associated with the extraction and processing of petroleum. This shift not only supports cleaner production processes but also promotes the sustainable use of natural resources.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

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

6

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

2

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

3

05.08 Justification

1. Many textile industry customers already use polyester. By producing it from recycled plastic waste, my project meets this existing market demand with a familiar product. 2. Converting plastic waste into polyester yarn represents innovative recycling technology, addressing plastic waste and producing high-quality, sustainable polyester. 3. Traditional polyester production relies on petroleum, causing environmental harm. My project uses plastic waste, reducing environmental impact and maintaining product quality. 4. There is a growing demand for sustainable materials in the textile industry. By producing polyester from recycled plastic waste, my project offers an eco-friendly alternative, reducing reliance on petroleum and managing plastic waste.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

My main potential competitors are traditional polyester manufacturers who rely on petroleum-based production. What sets my project apart is its unique approach of using locally sourced plastic waste as the raw material for producing high-quality polyester. This not only addresses environmental concerns by reducing plastic pollution but also contributes to sustainability by decreasing reliance on non-renewable petroleum resources. Additionally, by creating a local supply chain for polyester, my project can reduce costs and support regional economic development, making it more attractive to local textile industries compared to imported products.

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

Not at the moment