Nigerian Breweries, Indorama, Genesis Energy Partner on Major Recycling Plant in Lagos

A new industrial alliance between global and Nigerian firms is set to deliver one of Africa’s largest plastic recycling facilities, in a move aimed at tackling waste while strengthening the country’s circular economy.

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited has partnered with Nigerian Breweries Plc and Genesis Power & Energy Solutions Ltd to develop an advanced recycled PET (rPET) production plant in Lagos.

The facility, once completed, is expected to produce up to 45,000 tonnes of food-grade recycled PET resin annually, positioning it among the largest of its kind on the continent. Operations are projected to begin in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.

Boost for recycling and circular economy

The planned plant will convert post-consumer plastic bottles into high-quality recycled materials suitable for packaging. The initiative is designed to address rising demand for sustainable packaging while reducing plastic waste in landfills and the environment.

Industry observers say the project could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s recycling ecosystem by strengthening local processing capacity and reducing reliance on imported recycled materials.

It is also expected to stimulate job creation and expand participation across Nigeria’s recycling value chain, particularly in waste collection and sorting systems, which remain largely informal.

Strategic collaboration

Each partner brings distinct capabilities to the project. Indorama Ventures, one of the world’s largest PET recyclers for beverage applications, will provide technical expertise in advanced recycling technologies.

Nigerian Breweries, part of global brewing giant Heineken, contributes market knowledge and an established distribution network, while Genesis Energy will deliver infrastructure and integrate clean-energy solutions to support low-carbon operations.

The energy component is expected to play a critical role in ensuring the plant operates efficiently and sustainably, aligning with broader climate and industrial goals.

Aligning with national policy

The project supports Nigeria’s National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, introduced in 2020, which targets a fully recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable plastic packaging system by 2030.

Locating the facility in Lagos offers logistical and commercial advantages, enabling access to large volumes of recyclable waste and positioning the plant to serve both domestic and regional markets.

Expanding global recycling footprint

For Indorama Ventures, the development represents a significant milestone. The company currently operates 20 recycling facilities across 11 countries and has processed more than 160 billion PET bottles globally.

The Lagos plant will be its first recycling investment in Africa and its largest single recycling facility to date, underscoring a strategic shift toward high-growth emerging markets.

Clean energy integration and long-term vision

Genesis Energy will support the project with integrated clean-energy infrastructure, drawing on its portfolio of power projects across Africa, including solar, wind and battery storage systems.

Beyond industrial output, the partners say the initiative will deliver wider environmental and social benefits, including improved waste collection systems, reduced plastic leakage and stronger community engagement in recycling practices.