As part of its 2024 Action Plan, ColdHubs officially kicked-off the production of returnable plastic crates in its new factory using recycled plastics. This is to support adequate food packaging within the cold chain.

“At ColdHubs, we’re committed to solving the problem of food spoilage and to seeing that every investment, capital, and human effort farmers invest in the soil mustn’t go to waste," said Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, Founder and CEO of ColdHubs.

The factory is a milestone achievement for Nigerian smallholder farmers and food supply chain actors as it will reduce spoilage, phase out the use of raffia baskets, which causes huge damage to fruits and vegetables, and encourage durability in the transportation of all perishable food.

This project promotes environmental sustainability by reducing the amount of plastic waste that returns to landfills, causing environmental pollution and health hazards.

Recall that on June 5, the World Health Organisation revealed that every year more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally, and an estimated 19–23 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers, and seas. However, less than 10% of the world’s annual plastic production is recycled.

Adding that Africa produces only 5% and consumes 4% of global plastic, growing population and urbanization are driving an increase in single-use plastic, heightening environmental pollution and health threats.

Onuoha Inya, the Crate Production Manager, said that the company is anchored on recycling plastics and putting them to economic use. He cited that, just as in every other developing country, the disposal of plastic waste into the environment is alarming and. “We are setting up an awareness campaign that will educate individuals across communities to adopt plastic waste management," he stressed.