Turning plastic waste into bricks

The factory is expected to process and recycle a minimum of 25 tons/month and will help increase polystyrene’s recycling rate by at least 5% within the first year.

According to Adri Spangenberg, polystyrene executive at Polyco, this has been a dream come true for the polystyrene industry after seven years of planning, discussions with key players and efforts to get the funding approved. 

At the official launch of Khaya Khanya Atlantis, CEO Cindy Orange stated that unemployment and gangsterism are two of the biggest problems facing the community. ‘We are more than ready to move forward with this project, which will not only create employment, but also help to educate and equip those who will become a part of this business venture,’ she explained.

Developed and patented by Hilton Cowie, the Envirolite Concrete bricks and screeds are manufactured using a combination of recycled polystyrene and a special cement aggregate. The bricks are used to build everything ranging from RDP houses, clinics and shopping malls to commercial buildings and designer homes. 

‘These bricks are waterproof, fireproof and offer excellent insulation against cold, heat and sound,’ explained Adri. ‘The building process is easier, faster and cheaper, plus it uses the waste removed from the community in a positive way that offers long-term benefits. The increased demand for these bricks made us realise we could roll out factories on a large scale by establishing polystyrene recycling hubs in impoverished communities where the waste crisis, housing backlogs and unemployment figures are at their worst,’ she continued.

The Polystyrene Association of SA appointed Caban Investments as corporate advisors and implementers. Tasked with the responsibility of developing a detailed business plan and sales strategy, Caban also assisted with raising the capital required for the first factory and helped to identify local entrepreneurs who will be driving this project. 

Caban came up with a business model that sees each factory being a franchise modelled on sound business principles. The structure sees the entrepreneur, the community, investors and the franchisors as stakeholders in the project. 

In her role as CEO, Cindy is supported by her father and local pastor Dr Michael Adams (project manager), brother John Adams (COO) and sister Liesle Humbles (office administrator). Envirolite and Caban are the franchisors and remain involved in mentoring the entrepreneurs in all aspects of business development and technical support. 

‘It’s a privilege to have found the ideal partners, loved and respected members of the local community, who will run and manage the Khaya Khanya Atlantis Lightweight Concrete Factory. Thanks to the members’ support and funding throughout the years, we have been able to develop and grow the recycling infrastructure, bringing us to this point where we finally have our first community recycling hub,’ Adri concluded.

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