A Kenyan man is saving forests while helping locals to make pencils out of unwanted newspapers.
Locally made, cheap and cheerful, these eco pencils have a point !
These small pencils are making a large impact in Kenya.
More Details
A Kenyan company named MOMO Pencils, based in Athi River, Machakos County, has developed an innovative method to produce eco-friendly pencils by recycling old newspapers.
Founded by brothers Mahamud and Rashid Omari, the company aims to reduce deforestation by offering an alternative to traditional wooden pencils.
Sustainable Production Process
MOMO Pencils sources its raw materials locally, utilizing old newspapers and glue. The process involves collecting newspapers, cutting them into appropriate sizes, adding graphite, and compressing the mixture into pencil shapes using a roller.
The pencils are then left to dry in the sun for three days before undergoing final sharpening and packaging.
Production Capacity and Pricing
The company has the capacity to produce up to 40,000 pencils daily. The cost of producing these pencils is relatively low, with old newspapers priced between KSH 70 ($0.70) and KSH 100 ($1) per kilogram. The retail price of the finished pencils ranges from KSH 15 to KSH 50, depending on quality and quantity.
Environmental Impact and Future Goals
By repurposing newspapers, MOMO Pencils contributes to reducing the number of trees cut down annually for pencil production, addressing the global issue of deforestation.
The company envisions a future where every child in Kenya uses their pencils, simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability
