Alkyl Recycling is developing a unique, sustainable, and energy-efficient recycling process for absorbent hygiene products like baby diapers. A single baby uses between 6-10 diapers daily. This amounts to an estimated 450 billion diapers used annually worldwide. However, a majority of these waste diapers end up in landfills or incineration plants. Both of these approaches are not environmentally friendly. Alkyl Recycling is applying mild chemistry to recycle and recover diaper material for reuse with the aim of closing the loop of this vital but stubborn commodity.
A presentation by Melvin Kizito, founder at Alkyl Recycling.
Melvin is driven by the desire to solve social challenges through innovation. Blending science and creativity enables the conception of effective and contextualized solutions for specific challenges. Importantly, innovation is a gateway for young people, especially in Africa, to enter the global stage and participate in developing technologies for tomorrow.
He adds that sustainable chemistry technologies has the potential to revolutionize key industries such as textile and manufacturing. Green chemistry principles like reducing molecular pollution, cutting energy consumption, and designing for recycling will help reduce the environmental degradation that is rampant today and limit global warming.
About Melvin Kizito
I have a background in Chemistry and have worked as a research scientist at the University of Nairobi and as an analyst in the petroleum industry. I am passionate about applying innovation to solve important challenges like climate change and circularity.
About Alkyl Recycling
Alkyl Recycling develops sustainable and energy-efficient recycling processes for absorbent hygiene products such as diapers. For more information go to the website.
Melvin Kizito is speaker at the 2023 edition of the Circular Chemistry Conference which takes place at the Center Court of the Brightlands Chemelot Campus.