South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

NiaGroup & TotalEnergies: Mobile tyre recycling unit empowers communities & creates a circular economy by transforming waste into valuable products.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Nia Group Waste management & TotalEnergies Startup Competition present a mobile tyre recycling unit! This community-driven initiative tackles waste disposal. We empower residents by employing & training them to operate the unit, creating local jobs & promoting a circular economy. Discarded tyres are transformed into valuable products like construction crumb, industrial fuel, & even materials for new tyres! We partner with local authorities for designated drop-off points & incentivize participation through rewards. This project addresses waste, creates jobs & fosters a sustainable future!

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

In South Africa, used tyres pose a double threat: Environmental damage: Landfills overflow with tyres, taking up space and potentially leaching harmful chemicals. This not only harms the environment but also reduces valuable landfill capacity. Lack of economic opportunity: Many communities struggle with unemployment. Discarded tyres represent a missed resource! This project tackles both issues by: Mobile tyre recycling: We bring the recycling process directly to communities, making it easier for people to dispose of tyres responsibly. Community empowerment: Locals are trained and employed to operate the unit, fostering job creation and a sense of ownership. Discarded tyres are transformed into valuable products: Construction crumb: Repurposed for playgrounds, sports surfaces, and even road construction. Tyre-derived fuel: Provides a sustainable energy source for industries. Recycled buffings: Used to create new tyres, closing the loop in a circular economy. This project, aligne

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

Our mobile tyre recycling unit delivers a triple win: environment, community, and economy. Environmental Hero: We divert tyres from landfills, reduce reliance on virgin materials, and offer a sustainable fuel source. Community Champion: Locals gain jobs and skills, fostering empowerment and a sense of ownership for a cleaner environment. Economic Booster: We potentially reduce waste disposal costs, create revenue from recycled products, and strengthen local partnerships.

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

This project targets two key beneficiary groups: The Environment: We aim to create a cleaner South Africa by diverting used tyres from overflowing landfills, preventing potential soil contamination, and promoting resource conservation through a circular economy. Local Communities: The project empowers residents by creating jobs and providing training in mobile tyre recycling operations. This fosters economic opportunity, skill development, and a sense of ownership for environmental well-being. Additionally, partnerships with local authorities create designated drop-off points, making responsible tyre disposal accessible for everyone.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2018-01-31

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

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

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

Keith Ngobeni (Founder & Managing Director): 15+ years of entrepreneurial experience with a focus on tyre collection for over 9 years. Leads the overall project vision and strategy. Kgabo Carol Matlou (Operations Manager): Corporate communication background with entrepreneurial experience. Oversees day-to-day operations and ensures smooth execution. Kevin Machimana (Marketing & Digital Executive): 10 years of corporate management expertise in digital marketing. Drives marketing efforts and online presence. Tshepo Mokoena (Procurement Specialist): 8+ years of experience in compliance and procurement strategy. Manages sourcing of materials and ensures adherence to regulations. This team combines strong entrepreneurial leadership, operational expertise, digital marketing skills, and procurement knowledge for successful project execution.

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

https://niagroup.co.za/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our project tackles poverty by: Job Creation: We directly employ and train community members to operate the mobile tyre recycling unit, generating income and empowering residents. Community Upliftment: New job opportunities lead to increased financial security and improved livelihoods within the community. Skill Development: Training in tyre recycling provides valuable skills that can be used to secure future employment opportunities. By creating jobs, fostering economic empowerment, and equipping residents with new skills, this project directly contributes to the UN's No Poverty Goal (Goal 1) for a more prosperous future

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

While our mobile tyre recycling unit doesn't directly address hunger, it can contribute to Zero Hunger (Goal 2) in two ways : Community Upliftment: Increased income from created jobs allows families to improve their overall well-being, potentially leading to better access to nutritious food. Indirect Impact: Project success can lead to economic growth within the community. This can stimulate local businesses, including those in the food sector, potentially improving access to affordable and nutritious food options. Our focus remains on creating jobs and empowering communities, which can have a positive ripple effect on achieving Zero Hunger.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Our mobile tyre recycling unit contributes to Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3) in a few ways : Clean Environment: Diverting tyres from landfills reduces potential exposure to harmful chemicals that can leach into soil and water sources, promoting a healthier environment for communities. Safer Communities: Stockpiled tyres can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes, carrying diseases like malaria. Recycling reduces these risks, contributing to a healthier community. Improved Livelihoods: Jobs created by the project can lead to better living conditions and access to healthcare, ultimately improving overall well-being. This project tackles environmental hazards, promotes disease prevention, and empowers communities, all contributing to a healthier future.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

While the mobile unit itself doesn't directly provide education, it can contribute to Quality Education (Goal 4) through: Community Upliftment: Increased income from created jobs allows families to prioritize education for their children. Skills Development: Training in tyre recycling provides valuable technical skills that can be a stepping stone for further education or career paths. Project Awareness: Educational workshops can be conducted alongside the project to raise awareness about responsible waste management and the importance of a circular economy. By empowering communities and fostering a culture of learning, our project indirectly supports Goal 4.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Our mobile tyre recycling unit promotes Gender Equality (Goal 5) by: Open Opportunities: We actively encourage women to participate in training and employment within the project, breaking down potential barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Economic Empowerment: Jobs created by the unit provide women with income independence, fostering their economic agency and decision-making power within the household. Community Role Models: Women successfully operating the unit challenge gender stereotypes and inspire future generations to pursue diverse career paths. By creating inclusive opportunities, promoting economic empowerment, and showcasing female leadership, our project contributes to a more equitable future for all.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Our mobile tyre recycling unit indirectly contributes to Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6) by: Reduced Landfill Leachate: Diverting tyres from landfills prevents potential contamination of water sources from harmful chemicals that can leach from these materials. This safeguards clean water supplies for communities. Improved Waste Management: The project promotes responsible waste disposal practices, reducing overall waste in the environment. This can lessen the burden on sanitation systems and potentially improve access to clean sanitation facilities. Community Upliftment: Increased income generated from jobs can empower residents to invest in improved sanitation facilities within their households, contributing to better hygiene practices. While not directly treating water or building toilets, our project tackles waste management and empowers communities, which can have a positive ripple effect on achieving Goal 6.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Our mobile tyre recycling unit directly addresses Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7) through: Tyre-Derived Fuel (TDF): Processing used tyres creates TDF, a sustainable alternative fuel source that can be used in industrial processes. This reduces reliance on traditional fossil fuels and promotes cleaner energy solutions. Circular Economy: By transforming used tyres into valuable products, we minimize reliance on virgin materials for energy production, promoting resource conservation and a more sustainable energy cycle. Job Creation & Community Wealth: Jobs created by the project can improve livelihoods and potentially increase investment in energy-efficient technologies within homes, contributing to a more affordable and sustainable energy future for the community. Our project directly provides a clean fuel alternative, promotes resource efficiency, and empowers communities, all contributing significantly to Goal 7.

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

Our mobile tyre recycling unit directly addresses Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8) through several key aspects : Job Creation: We directly create new, local jobs by employing and training community members to operate the mobile unit. This fosters economic opportunity and reduces unemployment. Skill Development: The project provides valuable training in tyre recycling operations, equipping residents with new skills that can enhance their employability in the waste management sector. Decent Work Conditions: We strive to offer fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for growth within the project, promoting decent work practices. Economic Stimulus: The project can stimulate the local economy in several ways. Recycled tyre products can be sold to various industries, generating revenue. Additionally, partnerships with local authorities strengthen community involvement and potentially lead to further economic opportunities.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Our mobile tyre recycling unit drives innovation and strengthens infrastructure for Goal 9 : Innovation in Waste Management: The mobile unit itself offers a creative solution for accessible and efficient tyre recycling, potentially inspiring further advancements in the waste management sector. Circular Economy Champion: By transforming waste into valuable products, we promote a more sustainable circular economy model within the tyre industry. Infrastructure Support: Partnerships with local authorities to establish designated drop-off points can strengthen waste management infrastructure and promote responsible disposal practices. Community Ownership: Local employment fosters a sense of ownership for the project, potentially leading to increased community involvement in maintaining and improving waste management infrastructure. This project offers an innovative approach to waste management, promotes a circular economy, strengthens infrastructure, and fosters community engagement

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Our mobile tyre recycling unit tackles inequality (Goal 10) by empowering communities through several key actions : Job Creation & Income: We create new jobs specifically within the communities most affected by unemployment. This directly addresses economic inequality and generates income for those who need it most. Skills Development: Training in tyre recycling provides valuable skills that can be used to secure future employment opportunities, fostering upward mobility and reducing skill-based inequalities. Women's Empowerment: We actively promote women's participation in training and employment, dismantling potential barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field and fostering gender equality within the workforce. Environmental Justice: By addressing waste disposal in these communities, we create a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents, reducing environmental inequalities often faced by marginalized groups.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Responsible Waste Management: The mobile unit tackles a major waste management challenge – discarded tyres – promoting a cleaner and healthier urban environment. Circular Economy Champion: By transforming waste into valuable products like construction crumb and fuel, we close the loop on tyre materials, fostering resource efficiency within cities. Job Creation & Community Upliftment: Local employment empowers residents, creates income, and fosters a sense of ownership for a clean and sustainable community. Partnerships for Sustainability: Collaboration with local authorities for designated drop-off points strengthens waste management infrastructure and promotes responsible disposal practices. Reduced Environmental Impact: Diverting tyres from landfills reduces potential soil contamination and promotes cleaner air and water sources, contributing to a healthier city environment. By addressing waste management, promoting a circular economy, empowering communities, and fo

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Our mobile tyre recycling unit directly addresses Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12) in a few key ways : Reduced Waste & Resource Efficiency: By diverting tyres from landfills and transforming them into new products, we significantly reduce waste and promote resource efficiency throughout the tyre lifecycle. Circular Economy Champion: The project exemplifies a circular economy model by keeping valuable materials in use for longer periods, minimizing reliance on virgin resources and promoting sustainable production practices. Sustainable Consumption: The project incentivizes responsible tyre disposal by residents, promoting a culture of sustainable consumption and reducing environmental impact associated with discarded tyres. Reduced Environmental Footprint: Recycling tyres reduces the need for virgin rubber production, potentially lowering energy consumption and associated emissions during the manufacturing process.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Reduced Landfill Methane: Landfills are major methane emitters, a potent greenhouse gas. Diverting tyres reduces landfill waste and associated methane emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation. Circular Economy & Resource Conservation: Recycling tyres minimizes reliance on virgin rubber production, an energy-intensive process with significant greenhouse gas emissions. This promotes resource conservation and a lower carbon footprint. Tyre-Derived Fuel (TDF): Processing used tyres creates TDF, a sustainable alternative fuel source that can be used in industries instead of traditional fossil fuels. This reduces reliance on coal and oil, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Community Upliftment & Energy Efficiency: Increased income from created jobs can empower residents to invest in energy-efficient technologies within their homes, potentially reducing overall energy consumption and related emissions. By tackling landfill methane, promoting a circular economy, offer

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

While our mobile tyre recycling unit doesn't directly impact marine life, it can contribute to Life Below Water (Goal 14) in a few ways : Reduced Plastic Pollution (Indirect): Recycled tyre crumb can be used as an alternative to plastic materials in some construction applications. Increased use of tyre crumb could potentially reduce overall plastic production and its potential leakage into waterways. Healthy Water Sources (Indirect): By diverting tyres from landfills, we reduce the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into soil and potentially contaminating water sources that flow into oceans. This indirectly safeguards marine ecosystems. Community Upliftment & Responsible Waste Management: Increased income from created jobs can empower residents to prioritize responsible waste disposal practices, potentially reducing overall land-based waste that could end up in oceans. Awareness & Education (Potential): The project can incorporate educational workshops

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Our mobile tyre recycling unit directly contributes to Life on Land (Goal 15) through several key aspects : Habitat Restoration (Indirect): Discarded tyres can become breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Recycling reduces these hazards, potentially improving the health of wildlife populations and their habitats. Reduced Land Pollution: Landfills overflowing with tyres take up valuable space and potentially leach harmful chemicals into the soil. Diverting tyres reduces land pollution and promotes a cleaner environment for terrestrial ecosystems.  Resource Conservation & Recycled Products: By creating valuable products like rubber crumb from recycled tyres, we minimize reliance on virgin materials obtained through activities like deforestation. This promotes resource conservation and protects natural habitats. ( Community Upliftment & Environmental Awareness: Increased income from created jobs can empower residents to become stewards of their environment.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Public-Private Collaboration: Our project thrives on partnerships. We collaborate with other waste management leaders and institutions, leveraging their expertise and infrastructure. Community Engagement: Partnerships with local authorities establish designated drop-off points, strengthening waste management systems and fostering community involvement. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The project directly addresses multiple SDGs, demonstrating a commitment to a holistic approach to sustainable development.  Replication Potential: The mobile unit's success can inspire similar partnerships and projects in other communities, fostering wider collaboration for achieving the SDGs. Knowledge Sharing & Innovation: Collaboration fosters knowledge sharing and innovation within the waste management sector, accelerating progress towards a more sustainable future.

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

3

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

5

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.

6

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

Focus on Accessibility: The mobile unit brings tyre recycling directly to communities, overcoming transportation barriers and making responsible disposal easier for residents. Community Empowerment: It directly employs and trains locals, fostering economic opportunity and a sense of ownership for a cleaner environment. This is a unique focus compared to traditional, large-scale recycling facilities. Circular Economy Champion: The project transforms waste into valuable products like construction crumb, TDF, and recycled buffings, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing reliance on virgin materials. Focus on Sustainability: By combining these aspects, the project addresses waste management, job creation, and resource conservation simultaneously, promoting a holistic approach to sustainability within the tyre sector.

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

We don't have any major potential competitors as an initiative like this hasn't been trialed or piloted by the private sector at this point .

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

Yes, we are actively committed to promoting female entrepreneurs in our community! Here are some ways we do this : Project Focus: Our mobile tyre recycling unit prioritizes women's participation in training and employment, challenging gender norms in a traditionally male field. Mentorship & Support: We aim to connect aspiring female entrepreneurs with mentors and resources to help them develop and launch their own businesses. Community Outreach: We organize workshops and events to celebrate and empower female entrepreneurs, inspiring future generations and fostering a supportive network. Inclusive Project Culture: We strive to create a work environment within the mobile tyre recycling unit that promotes equality and empowers women to thrive. By integrating these initiatives, we hope to break down barriers, empower women, and inspire a new wave of female entrepreneurs in our community.