African startup Kubik is leading the charge in tackling the growing plastic waste crisis and addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing shortages. With operations in Kenya and Ethiopia, Kubik is revolutionizing the construction industry by transforming hard-to-recycle plastic waste into cost-effective building materials.
According to a recent report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), global plastic waste production is projected to triple to over 1,000 million metric tons by 2060. Although developed countries currently generate the most plastic waste per person, emerging regions like Africa and Asia are expected to experience the fastest growth due to rapid urbanization and population increases.
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental threat, posing risks to ecosystems and human well-being. However, there is a glimmer of hope, as the OECD report predicts that the share of recycled plastic will nearly double to 17% by 2060, thanks to the increased adoption of waste management systems.
Kubik, founded in 2021 by Kidus Asfaw and Penda Marre, is at the forefront of Africa's recycling revolution. By converting polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene waste into affordable building materials such as bricks, columns, beams, and jambs, the startup is making a significant impact. Kubik successfully removes 45,000 kilograms of plastic waste from landfills every day, significantly contributing to waste reduction efforts.
Driven by a recent $3.34 million seed funding round, Kubik is now planning to scale up its production of building materials in Ethiopia. The startup aims to double its efforts before expanding to other countries in Africa. With its manufacturing facility in Ethiopia, Kubik has the capacity to construct over a quarter million square meters of wall surface area each year.
Kubik's innovative interlocking building materials, including bricks, columns, beams, and jambs, eliminate the need for cement, aggregates, and steel in construction. Despite this, the structural integrity of the buildings remains uncompromised. Moreover, Kubik's products offer a cost reduction of at least 40% per square meter and possess chemical properties that ensure safety, fire resistance, and long-lasting durability. These materials are also environmentally friendly, emitting at least five times fewer greenhouse gases compared to cement-based products.
By providing affordable and sustainable building solutions, Kubik aims to play a crucial role in bridging the current housing deficit, which exceeds 300 million units worldwide. The startup recognizes the challenges posed by growing urban populations and soaring construction costs and believes its affordable materials can help alleviate the burden.
Kubik's groundbreaking efforts have not gone unnoticed. The startup was awarded "Startup of the Year" at the 2023 Global Startup Awards and was recognized as the leading climate tech startup in Africa at the recent VivaTech conference. Its success has attracted investments from renowned organizations such as Plug & Play, Bestseller Foundation, and GIIG Africa Fund.
Kubik's CEO, Kidus Asfaw, envisions a future where sustainable and affordable construction becomes the norm. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing unmanaged plastic waste, unaffordable living conditions, and the impact of climate change on rapidly urbanizing cities. Asfaw believes that Kubik's lower-carbon, lower-cost building solutions can pave the way for a transformative shift in the materials used for decarbonizing the built environment.
As the world grapples with the escalating plastic waste crisis and the pressing need for affordable housing, Kubik's pioneering initiatives offer a promising pathway toward a more sustainable and inclusive future for Africa and beyond.
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