Cool Plastic Recycling

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Location

Ethiopia

Sector

Manufacturing

Stage

Implementation

Overview

Cool Plastic Recycling is a women-owned, impact-driven social enterprise tackling Ethiopia’s plastic pollution crisis through innovative, inclusive, and scalable recycling solutions. Established in 2018 in Hawassa, the enterprise recycles high-density and low-density polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE) waste into eco-friendly seedling polybags used in reforestation and agriculture. With a processing capacity of 250 kg/hour and a workforce composed of 70% women, Cool Plastic Recycling creates green jobs, empowers marginalized communities, and promotes environmental sustainability.

Operating under the motto “Waste to Wealth,” the enterprise addresses plastic pollution, the disempowerment of women in the waste sector, and the shortage of seedling polybags critical to Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and food production. Beyond product innovation, the enterprise leads public awareness campaigns and trains women and youth in recycling, entrepreneurship, and environmental leaders

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Investment Needs

$1,000,000

Investment Project Type:

Private

Invested Value to Date:

$1,000,000

Funding Gap:

$1,000,000

Climate Classification:

Cross Cutting

Why Investing

Scalable, Proven Impact Model

A replicable, low-cost model that addresses major challenges—plastic pollution, unemployment, and climate vulnerability—while delivering measurable social and environmental returns.

Strong Policy and Market Alignment

Fully aligned with Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, the CRGE Strategy, and global SDGs, with growing market demand in agriculture and infrastructure.

Inclusive, Women-Led Leadership with Vision

Led by a purpose-driven team reinvesting profits into community empowerment, skills development, and green innovation, with a clear roadmap for regional expansion."

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