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Nishati-Mix: Turning Plastic Waste into Energy Solutions

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In Tanzania, a young entrepreneur is leveraging science and sustainability to address Africa’s intertwined crises of plastic waste and energy scarcity. Laetus Buberwa, a Microbiology and Biotechnology student at the University of Dar es Salaam, co-founded Nishati-Mix, a startup that transforms plastic waste into clean cooking energy and electricity. As Chief Operating Officer, Laetus ensures efficiency in operations, embodying the mission of “creating a cleaner and greener future.”

He’s a Proud winner of the Tanzania Energy Congress Contest 2023, a youth advocate and climate activist and YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa Alumnus.

Bridging Waste Management and Energy Access

Growing up in Tanzania, Laetus witnessed the pervasive problem of plastic pollution and the struggle many families faced to access affordable energy. “Growing up in Tanzania, I witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of plastic pollution in our communities and the struggle many households faced to access clean, affordable energy. These challenges became the driving force behind Nishatimix,” he explains.

The startup’s innovative system converts plastic waste into liquid fuel, which is then atomized and gasified to produce clean cooking gas. The process centers around two proprietary technologies: the Nishati-mix Burner, which burns liquid fuel efficiently, and the Nishati-mix Cylinders, which utilize advanced atomization and gasification technologies.

One of its most striking revelations is its efficiency. A single kilogram of plastic waste produces around 700 milliliters of liquid plastic fuel. This fuel powers the machine’s engine for 2.5 hours, generating enough energy to meet the basic electricity needs of a three-bedroom house.

“By providing a sustainable, locally produced energy source, Nishati-mix helps reduce reliance on environmentally harmful fuels like charcoal while promoting a circular economy,” Laetus emphasizes. This dual-purpose solution tackles the region’s energy crisis while mitigating environmental damage caused by plastic waste.

The Science Behind the Innovation

Nishati-mix relies on a thermal-cracking system to decompose plastic waste into liquid fuel. Unlike incineration, which emits toxic gases, or landfilling, which pollutes soil and water, the thermal-cracking process maximizes resource recovery with minimal emissions. “This process is efficient, safe, and made to minimize harmful emissions. Our approach ensures maximum efficiency and safety,” he notes.

The innovation doesn’t stop at fuel production. The liquid fuel is further processed in the cylinders, converting it into gas that powers the Nishati-mix Burner. This closed-loop system provides clean cooking energy, significantly reducing indoor air pollution from traditional fuels.

Overcoming Challenges Through Expertise

Developing this groundbreaking technology was not without hurdles. Perfecting the atomization and gasification processes required extensive experimentation. “Achieving a conversion of liquid fuel into gas required extensive experimentation and testing,” Laetus recalls. His scientific background played a pivotal role, equipping him with the skills to refine the process and ensure consistent fuel quality.

Building a cost-effective thermal-cracking chamber posed another challenge. Through rigorous testing and collaboration with engineers, the team developed a safe and efficient design. Educating stakeholders and communities about this novel concept required sustained engagement and demonstrations, a testament to Nishati-mix’s commitment to social impact.

“The background in of the team at Nishati-mix played a key role in understanding chemical reactions and optimizing the cylinder design for efficiency. We also faced hurdles in developing a thermal-cracking chamber that is both safe and cost-effective. Through rigorous testing and consultation with engineers, we created a chamber that operates efficiently without compromising safety. Additionally, introducing such a novel concept required educating stakeholders and communities on its benefits, which we have achieved a bit through consistent engagement and demonstrations,” he says.

A Vision for Sustainability and Scalability

The potential impact of Nishati-mix is transformative. Socially, it provides clean cooking energy, improving health by reducing exposure to smoke from traditional fuels. Economically, it creates jobs in waste collection and system operation. Environmentally, it addresses plastic waste and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Laetus envisions a future where his groundbreaking innovative systems are integrated into national waste management frameworks. “Governments and stakeholders can facilitate cost reductions by providing subsidies for locally developed technologies and reducing import duties on critical components,” he suggests. Innovation hubs and funding programs can help startups scale, while integrating technologies like Nishati-mix into national waste systems ensures raw material supply and lowers production costs. Collaboration with NGOs and private investors to provide micro-loans could further enhance accessibility.

The modular design of Nishati-mix allows for customization based on regional needs. “We plan to establish manufacturing hubs across Tanzania and Africa at large to lower production and transportation costs,” he shares. By partnering with local communities for waste collection and maintenance, the system ensures long-term sustainability.

Plastic production has soared by 39% from 2012 to 2022, reaching 400 million metric tons, while recycling rates remain below 10%. This highlights the urgent need to cut production, enhance recycling, adopt alternatives like the Nishati-Mix, and extend product lifespans.

Laetus Buberwa’s journey underscores the importance of practical and scalable solutions. “Focus on creating solutions that are impactful and adaptable,” he advises fellow entrepreneurs. Collaboration with experts, organizations, and local stakeholders is essential. “Every obstacle presents an opportunity to innovate and move further.”

Nishati-mix exemplifies how African ingenuity can address global challenges. By combining waste management with clean energy production, the startup aligns with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and curtail humanity’s carbon footprint. For Laetus and his team, the journey is just beginning, but their impact is already profound.

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