Green Glass in Africa

The Green Glass idea in Africa has taken a very different path to the factory in Cornwall.  We have developed small mobile containers which produce Green Glass by hand, the idea being that wherever there is waste bottles - jobs can be created by introducing a mobile production plant on the back of a lorry - its a simple and cheap solution to poverty and waste.  We first showcased the idea at the Earth Summit in Johanesburg in 2002 and the concept has really taken off.   

The container plant idea has been very successful and work best where there are rich tourists who both supply the empty bottles (drank in nearby hotels) and buy the resulting glasses.  This has resulted in much needed employment and income for local communities surrounding game reserves where it is sometimes difficult for local people who are stuck on the outside of the fence to benefit from all the visitors on the inside of the fence ! 

The concept of having a mobile self contained manufacturing plant has expanded to many other products and we now help communites develop new enterprises and create jobs with a range of small mobile plants which can produce wood products, candles, leather products, soap and skincare products and even insulators for high voltage power lines !

The fundamental principle for the enterprise developments is to create sustainable businesses which allow communites to add value to their local resources and take advantage of the skills of people in the area.  Manufacturing techniques and products are designed to be sustainable and appropriate to the area.  We also assist in the most important part of business development which is gaining access to markets and ensuring that you run a profitable business. 

Having a reliable job which pays a reasonable wage is not only life changing for the individual it also provides the bedrock for economic growth in communities.