Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Pelmy Yarn is an innovative social enterprise dedicated to transforming plastic bags into plarn (plastic yarn) to address the dual issues of plastic waste management and the demand for sustainable crafting materials.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Pelmy Yarn is a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to transforming plastic waste, specifically plastic bags, into a valuable resource—plarn (plastic yarn). Our startup focuses on creating high-quality, durable yarn made from recycled plastic bags. The mission of Pelmy Yarn Nigeria is threefold: to reduce plastic waste in the environment, provide sustainable crafting materials, and empower local communities through job creation and skills training. Pelmy Yarn is set to revolutionize the crafting industry by providing a sustainable alternative to traditional yarns while addressing critical environmental and economic issues. By transforming plastic waste into valuable plarn, we not only contribute to waste reduction and environmental conservation but also create opportunities for economic empowerment and community engagement. With a clear mission and a well-defined target market, Pelmy Yarn is poised for success, making a meaningful impact both locally and globally.

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

Pelmy Yarn addresses several critical issues: 1. Plastic Waste Pollution: Nigeria generates a significant amount of plastic waste, much of which ends up in landfills or as litter in the environment, causing pollution and harm to wildlife. Plastic bags are a major component of this waste. 2. Environmental Degradation: The improper disposal of plastic bags leads to clogged drainage systems, which can cause flooding and other environmental hazards. The degradation of plastic in the environment also releases harmful chemicals. 3. Lack of Sustainable Crafting Materials: There is a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable materials in the crafting and textile industries, but options are limited. 4. Economic Challenges: High unemployment rates, particularly among women and youth, and limited opportunities for economic empowerment and skills development.

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

Major benefits and advantages of Pelmy Yarn products include: 1. Environmental Impact: - Waste Reduction: By converting plastic bags into plarn, Pelmy Yarsignificantly reduces the volume of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the environment. - Conservation: Recycling plastic bags helps conserve resources and reduces the environmental footprint associated with producing new materials. 2. Sustainable Crafting Material: - Durability: Plarn is strong, long-lasting, and suitable for a variety of crafting applications. - Eco-friendly: Our plarn offers a sustainable alternative to traditional yarns, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. 3. Economic Empowerment: - Job Creation: EcoYarn Nigeria will create employment opportunities for local communities, particularly targeting women and youth. - Skills Development: Through our training programs and workshops, individuals will gain valuable skills in recycling, production, and crafting. 4. Communi

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

Pelmy Yarn Nigeria's products will serve a diverse range of customers, including: 1. Hobbyist Crafters: - Individuals engaged in knitting, crocheting, and other crafting activities who are seeking sustainable and unique materials for their projects. 2. Artisan Businesses: - Small businesses and independent artisans producing handmade goods, looking for eco-friendly materials to incorporate into their products. 3. Educational Institutions: - Schools, colleges, and community centers that require eco-friendly materials for educational purposes and craft projects. 4. Eco-conscious Consumers: - Environmentally aware consumers who prefer to purchase products that have a positive impact on the environment. 5. Export Markets: - International markets interested in sustainable and innovative products from Africa, particularly in regions where eco-friendly crafting materials are in high demand.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-05-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

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.)

Sunday Chidiebere Nwoye, co-owner of Pelmy Yarn, merges his biochemistry expertise with a passion for environmental sustainability. At Pelmy Yarn, he focuses on converting discarded plastic bags into high-quality plarn (plastic yarn), significantly reducing waste and supporting circular economy principles. Utilizing his scientific background, Sunday has improved recycling processes for greater efficiency and product quality at Pelmy Yarn. His entrepreneurial spirit drives strategic business development to expand market presence and enhance environmental impact. Sunday is dedicated to economic empowerment through job creation and skills development within Pelmy Yarn. His commitment to environmental education and advocacy highlights his dedication to sustainable practices. His leadership aims to drive meaningful change in the recycling industry, aligning with Total Energies' dedication to sustainable innovation.

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

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Crafts/Recycling

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By creating employment opportunities, especially within local communities and among marginalized groups involved in plastics collection and recycling, the business contributes to poverty alleviation.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

4

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

The business can educate communities about plastic pollution, recycling, and sustainable practices, contributing to environmental literacy and awareness among children and adults alike.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Promoting inclusive employment practices and ensuring equal opportunities for women in plarn production and crating sectors contributes to gender equality and empowerment.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

By reducing plastic waste, the business indirectly contributes to cleaner water sources and improved sanitation by minimizing plastic contamination in rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Utilizing renewable energy sources or energy-efficient processes in plarn production can reduce the business's carbon footprint, contributing to clean energy access and environmental sustainability.

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

Creating sustainable jobs in plarn production and recycling sectors supports economic growth, particularly in waste management and sustainable manufacturing industries.

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

The business promotes innovation by developing new uses for recycled plastic, such as plarns, thereby contributing to sustainable industrialization and fostering infrastructure development in recycling.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Providing fair wages and employment opportunities to marginalized groups, including waste pickers and workers in the informal sector, helps reduce inequalities within society.

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

By reducing plastic waste and promoting recycling, the business contributes to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

By utilizing existing plastic waste as a raw material, Pelmy Yarn contributes to resource conservation efforts and promotes a circular economy model.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Plastic recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to producing new plastic. By mitigating plastic pollution, the business supports climate action and environmental sustainability. 14. **Life Below Water (SDG 14)**: - **Justification**: Plastics pose a significant threat to marine life. By recycling plastic into plarns, the business helps protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Plastics pose a significant threat to marine life. By recycling plastic into plarns, the business helps protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Plastic waste negatively impacts terrestrial ecosystems. By converting plastic waste into plarns, the business contributes to land conservation and biodiversity protection.

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

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Collaborating with stakeholders such as local communities, NGOs, government agencies, and businesses enhances collective efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals, fostering partnerships for sustainable development.

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

5

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

4

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

4

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

5

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

4

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

Pelmy Yarn product represents a significant improvement in the crafting industry by innovatively repurposing plastic waste into versatile yarn. Unlike traditional yarns, our plarns reduces environmental impact by upcycling discarded materials, thereby mitigating plastic pollution. Its unique technology transforms waste into durable, eco-friendly fibers suitable for various crafting applications, from crochet to weaving. This innovation not only offers creative possibilities but also promotes sustainable practices within the crafting community. This sets a new standard in eco-conscious crafting materials, appealing to artisans seeking to minimize their ecological footprint while producing high-quality, socially responsible products for a more sustainable future.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our competitors include local and international yarn producers and suppliers, some offering imported eco-friendly yarns. Our competitive advantage lies in our innovative recycling process, strong supplier relationships, and commitment to high-quality products.

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

Yes, I have trained a group of females on ankara bag making as part of NYSC SAED program. I also teach and encouraged young girls to learn entrepreneur skills in crocheting.