The Kenya Plastics Pact (KPP), in collaboration with WWF Kenya, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), is set to launch the ‘No SUP Use’ campaign, during the upcoming 10th Annual Circular Economy Conference happening on November 19th – 20th in Nairobi. This landmark initiative is designed to accelerate the elimination of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastics (SUPs) across the country, starting with a targeted focus on the highly visible and high-impact MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), hospitality and tourism sectors.
The campaign will introduce a recognisable ‘No SUP Use’ logo that businesses can proudly display to signify their commitment and actions to the KPP Elimination List. This list targets problematic plastic items such as disposable plastic cutlery, straws, stirrers, and all polystyrene (PS) packaging, which are major contributors to plastic pollution and often contaminate recycling streams.
“Plastic pollution is a critical threat to Kenya’s natural heritage and economy, particularly in the tourism sector,” said Karin Boomsma, Project Director, Kenya Plastic Pact. “The ‘No SUP Use’ campaign will be a call to action for businesses to move beyond mere compliance and embrace the 5 Rs of Refuse, Reduce, Replace, Reuse, Reuse, and Refill. By providing a clear elimination list and a visible commitment label, we are empowering businesses to become leaders in sustainability and giving consumers the power to choose plastic-free options.”
The campaign will strategically focus on the MICE, hospitality and tourism sectors, due to their high consumption of SUPs and their strong public visibility, which can drive rapid consumer behaviour change. The initiative will also be a crucial step towards strengthening the case for countrywide adoption of the KPP Elimination List, with the support of NEMA and KEBS.
During the launch at Nairobi Street Kitchen, participating organisations will be showcased and a comprehensive Action Toolkit will be made publicly available.
Kenya Plastics Pact and its partners urge all businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector to join the movement, commit to the KPP Elimination List, and proudly display the ‘No SUP Use’ logo. Consumers are encouraged to look for the logo and support businesses that have made this commitment.
To register for the conference, please use this link: https://circulareconomyafrica.org/annual-circular-economy-conference/
