Production of Goods from Recycled Materials in the Caribbean

1. ‘Something from Nothing’ Production of Goods from Recycled Materials in the Caribbean Date of seminar Name of facilitator(s) Future Centre Trust

2. Why is reuse and recovery of waste important in Barbados? • Resource limitations • High import bill • Need/desire for local employment and job creation • “Free” resource waiting to be used

3. Waste Production in Barbados • Approximately 1200 tonnes of waste per day sent to Mangrove Pond Landfill • Of this, approximately 70% (840 tonnes) are recovered and recycled (SBRC) • This is in addition to the glass, plastic, paper, cardboard, metals, oil, e-waste, etc. which are recycled by other enterprises

4. Scale of Production • Individual enterprise (one person, part-time) • Small-to-medium sized business or cooperative • Large factory operation

5. “The dominant trends in the market internationally are in the area of recycling, and eco products that are friendly to the environment. This type of eco focus opens the door for new product niches. There is therefore a greater need for more intensive research and development and technology investment to the local Craft sector...” - Barbados Investment and Development Corporation, “Profile of the Craft Sector”, 2008

6. Video Clip #1 • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZu3WcWrCI0

7. Paradise Green Energy, Inc. • Manufactures and sells biodiesel made from recycled waste cooking oil • Domestic production of an important energy source – decreases oil import bill • Prevents dumping of waste vegetable oil into landfills and waste water wells

8. Sustainable Barbados Recycling Centre • Produces organic mulch products from organic solid green waste diverted from the landfill • Products include handpicked coconut fibre, wood chips, and more. • Keeps this waste out of landfill, reduced need for more production of these goods from virgin natural resources

9. Duratile, Inc. • Produces hurricane-resistant roofing shingles in nine colours from recycled PET (polyethylene terepthalate) from plastic bottles • Used in Barbados and exported throughout the Caribbean market • Reduced amount of plastic waste in landfills; PET characteristics are useful for roofing since it is known for its inability to decompose

10. Video Clip #2 • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVLu99Ja2mA

11. Case Studies from other Small Island States • Similar geopolitical contexts and resource constraints • Proof of the economic viability of these businesses • Possible applicability to Barbados and/or other Caribbean nations?

12. Fiji: Wastepaper  Toilet tissue • To address problem of wastepaper burning, a plant was built to convert locally-produced wastepaper into to toilet tissue • This product is now sold in supermarkets across Fiji at competitive prices • Plans for export to other Pacific Island countries.

13. Uganda: AfriBeads • Produce beaded jewelry and baskets from recycled paper • These are produced from paper consumed locally, and the jewelry is popular locally as well as with tourists and for worldwide export. • Important source of income generation, especially for women who work from home

14. Video Clip #3 • http://www.wastedocumentary.com/videos/recology/

15. South Africa: sugarcane waste + recycled cardboard  particle board alternative • South African company Xanita uses waste from sugarcane harvesting and recycled cardboard to make an alternative to particle board or foamcore • Used in 3D signs, displays, flat-pack furniture, and more • Uses locally available, no-cost and low-cost products • Well-received in local and regional markets

16. Ethiopia: Car Tires  Shoes • Used car tires are recovered, collected, sorted, and cut into soles of shoes • Shoes are then produced and consumed locally, as well as for export to the European market • Prevents waste and pollution (no more burning tires) and continues a time-held tradition

17. The End!