Oando Clean Energy Partners With Federal Government To Advance Biotransformation Tech For Single-Use Plastics

Oando Clean Energy and the Ministry of Environment unveil Biotransformation technology to combat single-use plastic waste using climate-triggered biodegradation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 4:49 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP

Addressing The Plastic Waste Crisis Through Innovation

Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), a subsidiary of Oando Plc, has taken a leading role in the fight against plastic pollution by introducing advanced biodegradable technology solutions to the Nigerian market. On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the company hosted a high-level workshop at the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja, bringing together regulators, manufacturers, and environmental experts. The session was designed to explore scalable, science-driven interventions to mitigate the impact of single-use plastics, which continue to pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s urban drainage systems and rural ecosystems.

Government Support For Science Driven Environmental Solutions

The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, delivered a passionate keynote address detailing the ecological and agricultural damage caused by plastic leakage. The Minister highlighted how non-biodegradable waste not only clogs essential waterways but also degrades soil quality and endangers livestock that inadvertently ingest plastic. According to Mallam Lawal, the introduction of microplastics into the food chain is a critical health concern that necessitates an immediate shift in how the manufacturing sector approaches packaging. He commended the partnership with Oando as a vital step toward restoring biodiversity and achieving long-term environmental sustainability.

The Mechanics Of Biotransformation Technology

A technical presentation by Polymateria’s Chief Strategy Officer, Andrew Webster, showcased a proprietary "Biotransformation" technology specifically optimized for the Nigerian climate. The solution involves a masterbatch additive—incorporated at a 2% ratio during manufacturing—that remains stable during a product's shelf life. However, once discarded and exposed to UV light, heat, and humidity, the material transforms into a bioavailable wax. This wax is then consumed by local bacteria, leaving behind only biomass, water, and carbon dioxide. According to Webster, Nigeria’s high heat and moisture levels make it an ideal environment for this technology to flourish.