WHEN the Look East Policy was launched several years back some people were skeptical, but there are those that grabbed the opportunity presented and are today thriving in their business operations.
The Look East Policy was adopted when Zimbabwe’s relations with the West soured after the Land Reform Programme which saw fulfillment of one of the liberation war objectives, giving back land to the landless black majority.
Plastix Incorporated, a company wholly owned by a Zimbabwean couple Munyaradzi and Mary Wazara, is one company that took advantage of the Look East Policy and it has transformed their fortunes.
The economic meltdown induced by the illegal sanctions imposed against Zimbabwe by Britain and its allies saw businesses suffering and Plastix Incorporated was not spared.
But instead of folding operations, the company tapped into the Look East Policy.
“A lot of events were occurring in 2006 and our packaging business was not doing well and so when the Look East Policy was launched we took note,” said Wazara. “We decided to open a recycling business, it was ideal especially considering the amounts of litter in the country.
“While the rest of the people were ‘burning’ money (making money out of a distorted exchange rate) and buying clothes and cars, we decided to get into a business that would give us a longtime investment and it was recycling.
“We took quotations for recycling machinery from Germany, South Africa and other countries and we saw that China’s prices were a quarter of what the other countries were charging.
“It took us two-and-a-half years to purchase the machinery.
“We had no money for food and many other basic things because we channelled everything we got towards purchasing the equipment.
“The equipment was delivered in August 2009.”
Mary Wazara said the company which is into plastics recycling and manufacturing produces 90 percent recycled product.
“Plastix Incorporated is into plastics recycling and manufacturing and all our products are 90 percent recycled products,” said Mary Wazara.
“We have a capacity of converting up to 60 tonnes of waste to bin liners, black sheeting and green sheeting used by tobacco farmers and carrier bags.
“We are generating a lot of raw material in this country and our trash is having a positive impact on the Gross Domestic Product.
“The business is an all inclusive one which is benefiting many people.
Everyone, said Mary, can collect the plastics and sell to recycling centres who in turn manufacture products that are delivered to wholesalers and retailers.
“If at level one, 1 000 people pick up plastics it means the creation of 1 000 jobs,” she said.
“We are generating a lot of raw material benefiting Zimbabwean companies who are producing high quality products that are affordable.”
Mary Wazara, however, said reaching a wide market was proving difficult and called on retailers to support the company’s efforts.
“It is still a struggle to get retailers to put our products on their shelves and make them available to many people,” she said.
“We are happy that retailers like TM Supermarkets are distributing our product, but with others we are hitting a brick wall.
“We are producing quality and we must be given a chance and as a nation we must cultivate a culture of buying Zimbabwe.
“There must be a completion of the cycle for business to thrive since we all depend on each other in the value chain.
“We have the equipment, skilled manpower and the product and if consumers support us we will grow and benefit the country.”
Regarding Corporate Social Responsibility, Wazara disclosed that Plastix Incorporated was helping build recycling cooperatives.
“We are helping cooperatives by imparting recycling skills,” said Wazara.
“We go to schools and churches educating them on good waste management practices such as separation of waste and teaching people to view waste not as a burden, but a resource.
“People worldwide have and are making millions from waste and there is no way that we will ever exhaust it.
“Imagine the number of loaves consumed on a daily basis and that number equals to tonnes of plastic disposed every day.”
Pundits contend that establishment of more recycling centres in the country will not only boost the economy but will go a long way in reducing amounts of litter.
“Our people must have the mindset of entrepreneurship and working hard to earn the millions they desire and be patient and persistent in their endeavours,” said Mary Wazara.
“Money cannot be made overnight, but is a result of hard work.”