By Matṧeliso Phulane
Bataung Madane of Naleli in Maseru has launched a plastic processing machinery with the aim of combating unsafe recycling practices and providing more efficient recycling solutions.
Bataung, who is a graduate in civil engineering from Lerotholi Polytechnic, is also co-founder and director of Nebulart Recycling Group since 2016.
This is a non-government organisation founded by 10 youth; it is based in Maseru and works to promote recycling and sustainable waste management in Lesotho.
Madane told theReporter in an interview this week that plastic processing machinery transforms waste plastic into usable products. He said there is a lot of different machinery to process plastic, among them, key types that include shredders to break down plastic, extruders to melt and shape products, injection machines to create parts and a densifier for mixing aggregates.
“Generally, recycling machines reprocess plastic; these machines operate by feeding, melting, shaping, cooling, and ejecting plastic. They enhance production efficiency, enable recycling, create job opportunities and minimise environmental footprint of plastic disposal,” Mandane explained.
Madane and his team started manufacturing plastic processing machinery because they realised a significant need for it in the country. Existing recycling practices were unsafe, and equipment was not easily accessible, he recalled.
Leveraging their skills, they aimed to meet this need by providing safer, more efficient solutions for plastic recycling and processing, enhancing local recycling practices and promoting entrepreneurship.
Apart from that, with an award from Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics, they were given the opportunity to start manufacturing the machinery in the country.
“Our business was inspired by the dire need for accessible and safe plastic processing machinery in our country. Unsafe recycling practices and the lack of affordable equipment has resulted in the huge problem of landfilling and this motivated us.
“Through our business, we aim to provide safer, more efficient recycling solutions, enhance local plastic waste management, and promote environmental sustainability. Ultimately, we support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and align with Lesotho’s national sustainable development programmes, striving for a cleaner environment and a robust recycling industry,” Mandane noted.
This is not the first machine manufactured by the team, as they have an array of machinery, like compression machinery, densifier and a shredder. The need for effective waste processing solutions in Lesotho coupled with their expertise drove them to develop these machines.
Madane said their target market for plastic processing machinery encompasses recycling companies, waste management firms, industrial manufacturers, and the mining sector seeking efficient plastic processing solutions.
“We also serve municipalities and environmental organisations focused on sustainable waste management practices.
“Customer feedback has been instrumental in refining our products; we actively incorporate suggestions to continuously improve performance and reliability,” he pointed out.
Taking us through the production process, he said it this involves design, fabrication, assembly, quality control, testing, and packaging. The team sources high-quality materials like steel, electrical components, and safety features from reputable suppliers.
Each machine undergoes rigorous testing to ensure performance and safety. They also prioritise the use of recycled materials when possible to align with sustainability goals.
Depending on the complexity of assembly and capacity, it can take between seven to 30 days to build a machine.
Every business has challenges and Mandane and his team encountered theirs as well.
“We have encountered challenges such as initial negative customer feedback, sourcing high-quality materials at affordable prices, and ensuring consistent product performance.
“However, we overcame these by actively listening to customer feedback to improve our designs, establishing strong relationships with reliable suppliers, and implementing rigorous quality control and testing processes. This approach helped us refine our products and meet market demands effectively,” Madane said.
Despite these challenges, they have learnt the importance of customer feedback in driving innovation and product efficiency.
They have also gained insights into the critical role of actively being in the forefront of innovative solutions plays in encouraging youth to join the battle against plastic pollution, reliable supply chains and the value of rigorous quality control.
In a few years, Madane and his team aim to expand their market to reach both domestically and internationally, becoming a leading provider of plastic processing machinery.
The plan is also to open a recycling centre to enhance their contribution to sustainable waste management and reduce the current landfilling problem. This centre will focus on efficiently processing waste, promoting recycling practices, and educating communities on sustainability.
Additionally, they aspire to innovate further, developing advanced, eco-friendly machines that improve recycling efficiency and support global sustainability efforts, contributing significantly to the circular economy.
In conclusion, Madane said choosing their waste processing machinery not only enhances ones operational efficiency, it also reduces costs, opens up a new stream of revenue and contributes to a sustainable future.
“Our reliable equipment ensures safe and effective recycling, helping meet environmental regulations and support the global initiative towards a circular economy. Additionally, by choosing our machinery, you can start producing a variety of quality products that have high market value. Lastly, this machinery can create jobs and provide skills that improve livelihoods,” he added.
People interested in the group’s products can contact Madane on + 266 59693702/6383301 or nebulartrecycling@gmail.com. They are also on Facebook, X and Instagram as: Nebulart Recycling Groupdays
