AE-FUNAI TO COMMENCE RECYCLING OF PLASTIC

As part of its Plastic Waste Management Project, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, is to commence the production of plastic utensils under its Waste to Wealth Project sponsored by the French Government, geared towards ensuring environmental sustainability and the creation of business opportunities from waste materials.

This was made known recently by the Project Coordinator, Professor Robert Onyeneke during a technical and entrepreneurial training aimed at building capacity in plastic waste management, with experts emphasizing the environmental and economic importance of sustainable waste practices.

Onyeneke highlighted the objectives of the plastic waste management project, describing it as a strategic initiative to address plastic pollution while creating livelihood and business opportunities. He noted that plastic wastes pose serious environmental challenges, including blocking drainage systems, land and water pollution, and public health risks.

He explained that the project was designed to equip participants with the practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge needed to transform plastic waste into valuable resources. According to him, effective plastic waste management can drive innovation, support small businesses, and contribute to a circular economy that benefits both the environment and society.

In a technical lecture, Director Centre for Human Resource Development, Professor Okechukwu Pius Aghamelu, presented an overview of plastic waste collection, sorting, and recycling, outlining the processes involved and their significance. He explained that efficient collection at source is the foundation of successful recycling, while proper sorting ensures that different plastic types are correctly processed.

Also, speaking at the programme, the Acting Director of the Centre for Adaptive Research and Fabrication, Engr. Dr. Ikenna Ijeh, noted that the design and functionality of the smart waste sorting system, is a practical technological solution to the challenges of plastic waste segregation.

He explained that the system leverages adaptive engineering and fabrication techniques to improve the accuracy and speed of waste sorting, which is a critical step in effective recycling, adding that improper sorting remains one of the major barriers to efficient plastic recycling, leading to material contamination and increased processing costs.

Meanwhile, training brought together academics, students, and entrepreneurs, fostering knowledge exchange and showcasing how research, technology, and entrepreneurship can be integrated to promote sustainable development while the technical and entrepreneurial training aligns with the University’s commitment to research, innovation, and community engagement, and supporting national and global efforts to promote sustainable waste management.