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Repackaging Kenya - A Transformation Roadmap Toward a Sustainable Bags and Sacks Industry

Omling, Sara LU and Aniansson, Sophie LU (2025) MIOM05 20251
Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences
Production Management
Abstract
This thesis investigates the current state and future potential of Kenya’s bags and sacks packaging industry, with a focus on transitioning toward more sustainable practices. Despite policy efforts like the 2017 single-use plastic bag ban, the industry faces
structural and economic barriers to adopting sustainable alternatives. The aim of this study is to assess macro- and micro-level factors shaping the industry and propose a roadmap to support a sustainable transition. To achieve this, the study applied a mixed-methods approach, combining a single case study design with a Micro Delphi survey, 31 semi-structured interviews, and literature reviews. The research was guided by four primary frameworks: PESTEL Analysis, Stakeholder Mapping,... (More)
This thesis investigates the current state and future potential of Kenya’s bags and sacks packaging industry, with a focus on transitioning toward more sustainable practices. Despite policy efforts like the 2017 single-use plastic bag ban, the industry faces
structural and economic barriers to adopting sustainable alternatives. The aim of this study is to assess macro- and micro-level factors shaping the industry and propose a roadmap to support a sustainable transition. To achieve this, the study applied a mixed-methods approach, combining a single case study design with a Micro Delphi survey, 31 semi-structured interviews, and literature reviews. The research was guided by four primary frameworks: PESTEL Analysis, Stakeholder Mapping, Scenario Analysis, and Gap Analysis. These frameworks supported the development of a novel methodological approach, referred to as Transformation Roadmap. The roadmap outlines prioritized actions, with political, legal, and economic measures identified as most critical - such as reinstating lower import duties on kraft paper, strengthening enforcement of the plastic bag ban, and introducing clear regional packaging standards within the EAC. While converters, recyclers, producer responsibility organizations, and other operational stakeholders are essential to implementation, their ability to act depends on early action and coordinated support from high-power authorities, particularly through taxation and regulatory enforcement. (Less)
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author
Omling, Sara LU and Aniansson, Sophie LU
supervisor
organization
course
MIOM05 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Sustainable Packaging, Kenya, Bags and Sacks, Value Chain, PESTEL, Stakeholder Mapping, Scenario Analysis, LCA
other publication id
25/5312
language
English
id
9197833
date added to LUP
2025-06-18 12:01:17
date last changed
2025-06-18 12:01:17
@misc{9197833,
  abstract     = {{This thesis investigates the current state and future potential of Kenya’s bags and sacks packaging industry, with a focus on transitioning toward more sustainable practices. Despite policy efforts like the 2017 single-use plastic bag ban, the industry faces
structural and economic barriers to adopting sustainable alternatives. The aim of this study is to assess macro- and micro-level factors shaping the industry and propose a roadmap to support a sustainable transition. To achieve this, the study applied a mixed-methods approach, combining a single case study design with a Micro Delphi survey, 31 semi-structured interviews, and literature reviews. The research was guided by four primary frameworks: PESTEL Analysis, Stakeholder Mapping, Scenario Analysis, and Gap Analysis. These frameworks supported the development of a novel methodological approach, referred to as Transformation Roadmap. The roadmap outlines prioritized actions, with political, legal, and economic measures identified as most critical - such as reinstating lower import duties on kraft paper, strengthening enforcement of the plastic bag ban, and introducing clear regional packaging standards within the EAC. While converters, recyclers, producer responsibility organizations, and other operational stakeholders are essential to implementation, their ability to act depends on early action and coordinated support from high-power authorities, particularly through taxation and regulatory enforcement.}},
  author       = {{Omling, Sara and Aniansson, Sophie}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Repackaging Kenya - A Transformation Roadmap Toward a Sustainable Bags and Sacks Industry}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}