Plastics & Rubber

Takazuri in Eastern Africa

Plastics & Rubber

Takazuri and BASF collaborate to support climate resilient construction in Eastern Africa

In 2024, Takazuri and BASF announced their collaboration to create smart building solutions that are built to last in Eastern Africa.

Sustainability is at the core of our business. Our commitment is reflected in our products, which are designed for high performance and multi-functionality while utilizing locally collected and converted waste from urban settings, and soon, from ocean bound plastics collected off the Kenyan coast.

Maria Schlesinger

Co-Founder and CEO, Takazuri

What the project is all about

The rapid population growth and increasing urbanization in eastern Africa have led to a surge in plastic waste and a high demand for sustainable construction materials. Takazuri is committed to provide an affordable climate resilience solution by utilizing local resources and in partnerships with local sectors.

Takazuri's Climatile™ technology is a roofing and wall solution that utilizes locally collected post-consumer materials. It acts as a cool roof/wall, enhancing indoor temperatures with improved insulation, solar reflectance and emittance while providing a safe rainwater-harvesting surface without corrosion. The system includes a smart clipping mechanism for integrating accessories to its surface like solar panels and biophilic components. BASF supported with process optimization, thermal stabilization, and enhancing the service life of post-consumer recyclates, while creating additive packages tailored to the region's harsh weather conditions.

Alongside BASF, Takazuri has strategically partnered with Gabriel Chemie, who provides customized Combi-Batch containing colors and stabilizers to ease the dispersion and homogeneity in the polymer matrix during the conversion of the tile.

Our team discussed extensively with the Takazuri team to understand the technical requirements, specifications, and market positioning targeted by Climatile™. On this basis, it was possible to optimally design the most suitable additive system to meet the challenges of using post-consumer recycled materials for long-term outdoor exposure. We sincerely hope that the construction sector and local communities in East Africa can benefit from this collaboration, thereby fostering economic growth

Bettina Sobotka

Head of Global Marketing and Development, Plastic Additives, BASF

This collaboration aims to provide long-term, environmentally friendly solutions that promote economic development in Africa and positively impact local communities. Takazuri's efforts are paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future in Africa's construction industry.