The 3rd KEPRO Annual
Circular Packaging Conference 2025
ThemeThriving Together: People, Planet, Progress.
Conference overview
A high-level forum for Kenya's packaging value chain
The 3rd KEPRO Annual Circular Packaging Conference was a high-level, multi-stakeholder forum. It brought the packaging value chain together for critical conversations on sustainability, the circular economy and ethical practices in packaging, under the theme "Thriving Together: People, Planet, Progress."
The theme reflected the need to move beyond compliance-driven sustainability efforts towards a holistic, innovation-led approach that builds both environmental and economic resilience.
- Industry leaders
- Policymakers
- Academia
- Practitioners
- Researchers
- Recyclers
- Investors
- Environmental advocates
About KEPRO
Established in 2021, the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization is a private-sector-led body representing over 1,000 member companies in the non-hazardous packaging sector. It implements Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in line with the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022.
Theme & sessions
Thriving Together: People, Planet, Progress.
Each strand of the theme anchored one of the day's three panel sessions, paired with a case study presentation and Q&A.
People
Green jobs and social equity
Session 1
Enabling waste pickers and formalising the sector
The social side of the circular transition: how empowering and integrating waste pickers drives economic value and stronger sustainability outcomes. It covered social equity and inclusion, green jobs, EPR as a viable business model, collaboration for behaviour change and capacity building for waste management operators.
Case study 20 min + Q&A
Packaging waste management: the South Africa case
How South Africa manages packaging waste under its EPR framework: policies, implementation, industry collaboration and lessons for similar contexts.
Planet
Circular design, return systems and lifecycle assessment
Session 2
Challenges and opportunities in sustainable packaging innovation
The technical and practical side of sustainable packaging: innovations that minimise waste, improve traceability and support full lifecycle responsibility. The panel looked at how packaging return schemes are designed and run, how lifecycle assessment (LCA) is applied, and where efficiency can scale.
Case study 20 min + Q&A
A successful take-back model for packaging waste
How incentivisation and traceability raised recovery rates, stakeholder participation and accountability across the value chain.
Progress
Beyond obligation: EPR as a catalyst for investment
Session 3
Beyond obligation: EPR as a catalyst for circular innovation
How EPR can grow from a regulatory requirement into a driver of innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. The panel traced Kenya's EPR journey, past, present and future, and the roles of financial institutions, development partners and the private sector. It also covered inclusive financing such as micro-lending, cooperative funding and digital platforms.
Case study 20 min + Q&A
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in Kenya's context
Key PPWR provisions and what they mean for Kenya: alignment, trade readiness and lessons for local compliance frameworks.
Extended Producer Responsibility isn't just about compliance, it's about taking ownership, driving innovation, and building a circular economy that works for both business and the planet.
KACPC 2025 Concept Note
Purpose
What KACPC III set out to do
Conference goals
Explore innovative opportunities to advance the packaging waste value chain.
Foster collaboration between producers, policymakers, civil society, academia and the informal sector to co-develop solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
Highlight the role of vulnerable and marginalised groups in the sustainability transition, with a focus on green jobs, social equity and community empowerment.
Facilitate dialogue on strengthening national and county-level policies that support regenerative development and effective governance.
Assess Kenya's progress in implementing mandatory EPR compliance and explore policy harmonisation across the East African Community (EAC).
Empower consumers and producers to adopt ethical and sustainable packaging practices.
Programme · 21 October 2025
How the day unfolded
From morning registration to the SPiCE Awards Gala, as published in the official event programme.
7:30 – 8:30 AM
Arrival, welcome tea and registration
8:30 – 9:00 AM
Opening remarks and speeches
- Kenya National Anthem | EAC Anthem
- Welcome note and context setting by KEPRO Chair Steve Muli
- Speech by the Chief Guest of Honour
- Keynote speaker
- Welcome note and video context setting (MC 2)
9:00 – 9:50 AM
Enabling waste pickers and formalising the sector
- Thematic focus: green jobs and social equity
- Case study: packaging waste management in South Africa (20 min presentation and Q&A)
- Closing remarks, Q&A
9:50 – 10:35 AM
Challenges and opportunities in sustainable packaging innovation
- Thematic focus: circular design, return systems and lifecycle assessment
- Case study: a successful take-back model for packaging waste – incentivisation and traceability (20 min presentation and Q&A)
- Closing remarks, Q&A
10:35 – 11:15 AM
Tea break
11:15 AM – 12:05 PM
Beyond obligation: EPR as a catalyst for circular innovation
- Thematic focus: EPR as a catalyst for investment opportunities
- Case study: relevance of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) to Kenya's context (20 min presentation and Q&A)
- Closing remarks, Q&A
12:05 – 1:00 PM
Launch of KEPRO's Sustainable Waste Management Toolkit
- Keynote address: James Odongo and Klaus L. Christensen
- Official launch
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Lunch break
2:30 – 3:30 PM
KEPRO in Schools: Nurturing Future Leaders of Sustainability
- Presented by Faith Mwikali
3:30 – 4:00 PM
KEPRO Circular Accelerator Program 2025: Where Innovation Meets Sustainability
- Presented by Cynthia Wainaina
4:00 – 4:30 PM
Rapporteur's report and vote of thanks
- Rapporteur: James Odongo
- Vote of thanks: Mumbi Keega, KEPRO Board Vice Chair
4:30 – 5:30 PM
4 o'clock tea and networking
5:30 – 6:30 PM
DJ entertainment and cocktails
6:30 – 7:30 PM
Guest arrival and dinner served
- Western-themed dinner, hosted by KEPRO staff
7:30 – 7:40 PM
Opening remarks
- The MC opens the evening, introduces sponsors and highlights the evening's programme
7:40 – 8:00 PM
Fun breaker activity
- Led by the evening's hype masters
8:00 – 9:00 PM
SPiCE Awards ceremony
- Excellence in Sustainable Packaging Innovation
- Excellence in Packaging Recovery and Recycling Systems
- Public Awareness and Behaviour Change Award
- Circular Business Impact Award
- Data-Driven Take-Back Excellence Award
- Trophies for the winner and 1st runner-up in each category, then a group photo
Close
Vote of thanks
- James Odongo
The experience
One day, eight ways to take part
Beyond the plenary, KACPC III brought together a launch, a showcase of young sustainability leaders and innovators, and an evening of awards.
Expert panels and case studies
Three thematic panels on People, Planet and Progress, each followed by a case study from South Africa, a take-back system or the EU's PPWR.
High-level keynotes
Opening remarks, the Chief Guest of Honour and the keynote.
Toolkit launch
KEPRO's Sustainable Waste Management Toolkit.
Exhibition zone
3×3 and 6×3 booths across the venue.
KEPRO in Schools
Nurturing future leaders of sustainability.
Circular Accelerator
Where innovation meets sustainability.
Networking
Afternoon tea and conversation.
SPiCE Awards Gala
Five award categories and an evening celebrating Kenya's circular economy leaders.
SPiCE Awards 2025 · 2nd edition
SPiCE Awards Gala Futuristic Frontiers – All Black Edition
Sustainability, Packaging Innovation & Circular Economy Awards
The second edition of the SPiCE Awards was a highlight of KACPC III. Building on the 2024 edition, the awards celebrated the leadership, innovation and collaboration driving Kenya's circular economy. In line with the conference theme, they honoured individuals, businesses and institutions making measurable strides in sustainable packaging, recycling and environmental stewardship.
The "Futuristic Frontiers" theme marked a shift from compliance to innovation, from waste to value, and from obligation to opportunity. The all-black aesthetic stood for power, elegance and the depth of possibility.
- Date
- 21 October 2025, after the conference
- Venue
- Hyatt Regency, Westlands, Nairobi
- Categories
- Five, each with a winner and 1st runner-up
- Call for applications
- 1 September 2025
- Submission deadline
- 10 October 2025
- Shortlisting & jury review
- 11 – 17 October 2025
- Award ceremony
- 21 October 2025
The five award categories
Entries were judged by an expert panel on evidence, originality, measurable impact, scalability and contribution to national sustainability goals.
Excellence in Sustainable Packaging Innovation
Award objectiveRecognised outstanding packaging solutions that are innovative, environmentally responsible and aligned with circular economy principles. It celebrated designs that balance functionality and efficiency with recyclability, reusability and reduced environmental impact.
Target groupPackaging manufacturers, designers, product developers and brand owners.
Criteria- Innovation / originalityA significant departure from conventional packaging methods.
- Environmental performanceEco-friendly materials and reduced resource consumption.
- ScalabilityPotential for adoption across industries or markets.
- Measured impactReduced carbon footprint or waste generation, or improved recyclability.
Excellence in Packaging Recovery & Recycling Systems
Award objectiveRewarded organisations running effective, innovative and inclusive systems for packaging recovery, recycling or material reclamation. It highlighted scalable approaches that close the loop, reduce waste and drive collaboration across the value chain.
Target groupRecycling companies, producer responsibility organisations, logistics providers and county waste management partners.
Criteria- Operational effectivenessProven success in logistics, recovery rates and process efficiency.
- CollaborationCross-sector partnerships that enhance impact and scale.
- InnovationTechnology or methods improving traceability, sorting or material yield.
- Environmental outcomeWaste diversion, resource conservation or circular reintegration.
Public Awareness & Behaviour Change Award
Award objectiveRecognised communication, education and advocacy that significantly improved awareness and behaviour around sustainable packaging and waste management. It celebrated campaigns that inspire lasting mindset shifts and empower communities to take part in the circular economy.
Target groupNGOs, civil society organisations, media agencies, advocacy groups and education institutions.
Criteria- Audience reachBreadth and depth of campaign exposure.
- Engagement qualityStakeholder participation and message retention.
- Innovation in deliveryCreative tools, platforms or formats.
- Documented outcomeShifts in knowledge, attitudes or behaviours.
Circular Business Impact Award
Award objectiveRecognised enterprises that embedded circular economy strategies into their core operations, with measurable impact on commercial performance, environmental stewardship and policy leadership. It honoured businesses showing that circularity can drive innovation, profitability and system-wide change.
Target groupLarge corporations, manufacturers, producer associations and integrated waste value chain actors.
Criteria- Financial performanceImproved revenue, cost efficiency or return on investment.
- Strategic influenceSector transformation, policy engagement or national EPR alignment.
- Business model innovationCircularity integrated into core strategy.
- Scalability & replicabilityClear pathways for expansion or replication.
Data-Driven Take-Back Excellence Award
Award objectiveHonoured organisations with robust, transparent and technology-enabled take-back systems for post-consumer packaging. It recognised excellence in reverse logistics, traceability and data-driven reporting that supports evidence-based decisions.
Target groupBrands, retailers, aggregators, technology providers and compliance scheme operators.
Criteria- System designStructure and coverage of the take-back programme.
- Data integrationDigital tracking of collection volumes, material flows and compliance.
- TransparencyQuality reporting and data accessibility.
- Impact evidenceQuantified recovery, emissions reduction or cost savings.
Eligibility: companies, SMEs, start-ups, community-based organisations, academic institutions and individuals operating in Kenya.Window: initiatives active within the previous 24 months.
Taking part
Tickets, booths and sponsorship
How delegates, exhibitors and partners took part in KACPC III, kept here for reference.
Registration and bookings for this edition are closed
KEPRO member
Conference ticket
- Early bird
- KES1,500
- Regular
- KES2,000
Non-member
Conference ticket
- Early bird
- KES2,500
- Regular
- KES3,000
Standard booth
3 × 3 m exhibition space
- Booth fee
- KES15,000
Premium booth
6 × 3 m exhibition space
- Booth fee
- KES25,000
Silver and Bronze sponsors received a complimentary 3 × 3 booth; Platinum and Gold sponsors a 6 × 3 booth.
Platinum
KES1,000,000
- Premium logo placement across print, digital, banners, backdrops and livestreams
- Complimentary 6×3 booth in a prime location
- Keynote session named in the sponsor's honour, plus a chance to moderate
- Present an award at the SPiCE Gala; corporate table of 12
- Full-page programme ad, VIP lounge access and delegate list (with consent)
Gold
KES500,000
- Prominent logo placement across all marketing materials
- Complimentary 6×3 booth
- Opportunity to moderate a session
- Present an award at the SPiCE Gala; corporate table of 9
- Half-page programme ad and TV/radio and press exposure
Silver
KES250,000
- Logo placement across all marketing materials
- Complimentary 3×3 booth
- Opportunity to speak in a session
- Quarter-page programme ad; corporate table of 6
- Sponsor spotlight on social media
Bronze
KES150,000
- Logo placement across all marketing materials
- Complimentary 3×3 booth
- 1/8-page programme ad
- Corporate table of 3 at the SPiCE Gala
- Sponsor spotlight, post-event report mention and certificate
Every tier also included recognition in the post-event report and a Certificate of Appreciation. Full benefits are listed in the 2025 Concept Note – opens in a new tab.
Conference documents
The official KACPC III papers
The concept note and event programme, as published ahead of the conference.
Concept Note 2025
Conference overview and goals, key discussion areas, the SPiCE Awards categories and criteria, and sponsorship and booth packages.
Event Programme
The full running order for 21 October 2025, from registration and the three thematic sessions to the SPiCE Awards Gala.
Gallery
KACPC III in pictures
The people, conversations and exhibitions from the 3rd KEPRO Annual Circular Packaging Conference.
Voices
What participants took away
Reflections from KACPC III on the conversations and partnerships that brought Kenya's circular economy community together.
What stood out at KACPC III was the quality of dialogue and the commitment to implementation.
Prof. Judi WakhunguFormer Cabinet Secretary, Environment and Natural ResourcesThe conference showcased the strength of Kenya's circular economy ecosystem…
Klaus Len ChristensenRegional Manager, Danish Industry East AfricaOne of the most impactful sustainability forums I have participated in…
Dr. Ayub MachariaCircular Economy Expert & Director, Environmental Enforcement, NEMAKACPC III had a unique energy. The conversations were relevant, the audience highly engaged, and the networking exceptional.
Mwai WaitheraMaster of Ceremonies, KACPC IIIBrought to you by
The partnership behind KACPC III
Convened by KEPRO and presented with Danish Industry East Africa.
Host
Partner
Questions about a past edition? Write to communications@kepro.co.ke or call +254 795 177205.