Solid Chemical Recycling Ltd, a rapidly expanding waste-to-wealth enterprise based in the Asaba Capital Territory, has earned praise and a distinguished award from The National Trumpet Magazine for its outstanding recycling model, youth empowerment initiatives, and major contribution to environmental sustainability in Delta State.
The Publisher of The National Trumpet Magazine, Prince Charles Umejie, led a media delegation to the facility as part of the organisation’s developmental journalism programme aimed at spotlighting trailblazers who are providing practical solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
During the visit, Prince Umejie explained that The National Trumpet Magazine focuses on celebrating individuals and institutions creating meaningful impact, not for mere publicity, but to inspire national development.
“We came here because recycling is not just a business—it is a service to humanity. What Solid Chemical Ltd is doing is unique, impactful, and deserves national attention,” he stated.
“Our mission is to tell stories that drive innovation and encourage Nigerians to learn from local solutions rather than always looking abroad.”
He added that the magazine would publish the story across its newspaper, online platforms, YouTube, and media partners to showcase the company’s innovations to a wider audience.
End-to-End Recycling: Turning Waste Into Valuable Products
The Chief Executive Officer of Solid Chemical Ltd, Mr. Francis Okechukwu Nnachi, conducted the team around the facility, explaining the company’s end-to-end recycling system.
He noted that the company collects recyclable waste from homes, markets, schools, streets, and designated collection centres, ensuring plastics are recovered before they become environmental hazards.
“Instead of bottles blocking drains or ending up in rivers, we collect them at the point of generation, recycle them, and give them new life,” he said.
The company specialises in processing PET bottles, which are transformed into industrial strapping belts used for packaging. These belts are exported, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and positioning Delta State as a rising centre for recycling innovation.
Job Creation and Community Empowerment
Solid Chemical Ltd has become a source of livelihood for hundreds of young people and women in surrounding communities.
According to the CEO:
84 staff currently work directly in the facility.
Over 200 youths earn income as collectors, aggregators, and community coordinators.
Through its community collection centres, residents bring in plastic waste and exchange it for money. Some earn between ₦10,000 and ₦500,000, depending on the volume collected.
“We are taking youths off the streets. Many of them would have been idle or vulnerable to crime, but now they work with dignity and earn an honest income,” Mr. Nnachi explained.
The company also provides accommodation for some staff, strengthening its social impact.
Fighting Climate Change Through Local Innovation
Mr. Nnachi stressed that recycling plays a key role in combating global warming.
Plastics that are burned release harmful gases, while producing new raw materials requires petroleum refining—another major source of greenhouse emissions. By using recycled plastics, the demand for virgin materials is reduced, lowering the carbon footprint of industries.
“Our work helps protect the ozone layer and reduces greenhouse gases. Recycling is one of the most effective environmental protection methods we have,” he noted.
The company currently recycles about 8,000 kilograms of plastic daily, significantly reducing plastic waste in Asaba and its environs.
National Policies Supporting the Initiative
The CEO applauded the Federal Government for implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, which mandates plastic manufacturers to take responsibility for retrieving their packaging from the environment.
Through the programme, major corporations like Coca-Cola support recyclers with funding, equipment, and logistics.
This policy, he explained, has reduced the push for a total ban on plastics, as effective recovery systems like Solid Chemical Ltd have proven capable of addressing pollution concerns.
Challenges: Power, Logistics, and Machinery Maintenance
Despite its success, the company faces several operational challenges:
- High cost of electricity
Running heavy-duty recycling machines requires massive power, and rising energy costs have increased production expenses.
- Limited trucks and tricycles
Because plastics are lightweight but bulky, transporting them from distant areas is costly, creating a need for more branded tricycles and trucks.
- Frequent machinery breakdowns
Equipment requires continuous maintenance.
Mr. Nnachi tackles this through collaborative engineering sessions where every team member submits written ideas, and the best solutions are implemented.
The host community and neighbouring areas have fully embraced the initiative. Women and youths arrive daily with plastic waste to exchange for money.
“People no longer see plastic as rubbish; they now see it as an opportunity—and that is changing lives,” the CEO said.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of an award to Mr. Francis Okechukwu Nnachi by The National Trumpet Magazine.
He received the honour for Distinguished Impactful Innovative Management, celebrating his leadership in environmental conservation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.
Prince Umejie described the award as recognition of a visionary transforming waste into wealth and creating hope through innovation.
Mr. Nnachi expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding recycling efforts, empowering more youths, and contributing to a cleaner, greener Delta State.
Prince Umejie concluded the visit with strong commendation for the recycling plant’s vision and impact.
“We are impressed by what we have seen. This is the kind of innovation Nigeria needs, and we will ensure the entire nation hears about it.”
Solid Chemical Recycling Ltd, through passion, innovation, and community involvement, is not only cleaning the environment but also reducing poverty, empowering young people, and strengthening Nigeria’s climate resilience—one plastic bottle at a time.
