Oando Clean Energy Partners With Federal Government To Launch High Tech Biodegradable Plastic Solutions

Oando Clean Energy and the Ministry of Environment debut biotransformation tech to fight plastic waste in Nigeria, utilizing solar triggers for biodegradation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 4:22 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from THISDAY

A Collaborative Framework For Sustainable Plastic Management

In a significant move toward environmental sustainability, Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL) has joined forces with the Federal Ministry of Environment to host a high level technical workshop in Abuja. This gathering served as a primary platform for government regulators, industry leaders, and academic researchers to deliberate on the implementation of biodegradable technology for single use plastics. According to a statement from the company, the partnership seeks to address the critical challenge of plastic waste leakage into Nigeria's ecosystems. By aligning private sector innovation with federal policy, the initiative aims to create a scalable model for reducing the environmental footprint of consumer packaging across the federation.

Regulatory Alignment Across Federal And State Agencies

The workshop featured a robust assembly of regulatory bodies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). State Commissioners for Environment and representatives from various manufacturing sectors participated in technical sessions focused on enforcement and policy pathways. Mallam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Environment, emphasized that plastic pollution has become a direct threat to Nigeria's agricultural productivity and public health. According to Lawal, the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste in waterways and soil not only endangers livestock but also introduces harmful microplastics into the national food chain.

The Mechanics Of Biotransformation In Tropical Climates

Central to the technical discussions was the introduction of Biotransformation technology, a proprietary solution developed by Polymateria and championed by Oando. Andrew Webster, Chief Strategy Officer at Polymateria, explained that Nigeria’s specific environmental conditions, including high heat, humidity, and intense sunlight, provide the ideal catalyst for this technology. The process involves a masterbatch additive that remains inactive during a product's shelf life but triggers a chemical breakdown when exposed to UV light and air. According to Webster, this transformation turns plastic into a bio-available wax that microorganisms can fully consume, leaving behind only water, carbon dioxide, and natural biomass....