Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) graduate Moses Kamchedzera has created an innovation that converts plastic waste into valuable products such as Diesel, Petrol, Propane gas and Grease.
The holder of bachelor’s degree in energy engineering produces the products using a machine called Pyrolysis machine which he developed during his university days.
He has told ProjectM that he decided to assemble the machine after noticing a gap in the country’s energy sector.
The innovator uses raw materials such as waste tire, waste plastic and waste rubber to produce the products.
“When I collect these materials, I place them in the pyrolysis plant which then heats them to a certain degree,” explained Kamchedzera..
Upon reaching a certain degree, the waste products start to transform into various chemical compounds which are then chemically separated to produce valuable products namely oil, syn-gas and char (carbon black).
He said partly, his innovation was also inspired by the country’s need to tackle plastic pollution challenges.
“Apart from producing these valuable products, this innovation is also there to solve plastic pollution challenges rocking the country because personally, I am an environmental conservationist,” said Kamchedzera.
His groundbreaking innovation already received praise from President Lazarus Chakwera who in 2023 called for relevant stakeholders to support him.
The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has already tested samples of Kamchedzera’s innovation and shown impressive results.
The innovator has however indicated that he is working towards improving the quality of his products in line with guidelines given by the MBS which he did not share for business reasons.
Environmental expert Maloto Chimkombero has called on stakeholders to support Kamchedzera’s innovation saying it has the potential to address the staggering 75,000 tons of plastic waste produced annually in Malawi.
Figures indicate that out of the 75,000 tons of plastic, only 5 percent is being recycled.
