Climate Curve

Helton Traders Limited

Org Type

For Profit

Year Founded

2021

Link: LinkedIn:

Primary Project Category:

Secondary Project Category:

Name of Project:

Year Project Originated:

Project Summary / Description:

We turn plastic bottle waste into sustainable, affordable polyester sewing threads. We organise women and youth waste pickers in our communities, pay them per kilogram collected, and then sort, process and recycle the bottles into sewing threads. After the recycling and fibre stages, we wind and test the threads, then sell 10 kg cartons to wholesale textile traders who supply tailors, schools and factories. So far, we have recycled over 1,200 tons of plastic and supplied more than 100 traders. By recycling plastic instead of letting it be burnt or dumped, and by replacing imported threads with local production, we cut CO₂ emissions from waste, virgin polyester made from petroleum, and long-distance shipping while creating stable green jobs.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nR_FuE_GsUbihmmIC5uJ96hQ0D8-kgWB

How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

['Replaces/avoids GHGs (e.g., projects that replace sources of GHGs, such as the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, transport, or other energy uses)', 'Reduces GHGs (e.g., projects that reduce sources of GHGs, such as through efficiency or other changes in consumption)']

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

Our project is built around communities that are usually left out of formal climate and industrial value chains. We work mainly with women and youth waste pickers in low-income urban and peri-urban areas. Many are single mothers ,people with disabilities and young people who previously survived on insecure, unsafe casual work.

We organise them into collection groups, offer fair prices per kilogram of PET, and also now provide basic protective gear, training and more dignified work conditions. This gives them a steadier income and a direct role in a visible climate solution.

Our company is also inclusive, me the founder and managing director are a woman, and women hold key positions in operations, production and business development. As we scale, we aim for at least 60–70% of our direct and indirect jobs to go to women and youth.

Website:

https://heltontraders.com/

Mission Statement:

To empower East Africa’s textile industry with locally made eco-textile products, starting with affordable, high-quality sewing threads made from recycled plastic bottles. By replacing imports, we reduce costs, cut plastic and carbon pollution, and create decent green jobs for women and youth, helping communities stay safer and more resilient.

Link: Twitter:

https://x.com/hellenmunyasa

Link: Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/iamhelle4noftroy?igsh=dWY0a21yc2l6dWV0