Post by GFS East Africa

Our Managing Director, Sarah Njau, travelled from Nairobi to Europe to deepen partnerships on circular economy and responsibility in trade. In the Netherlands, we met with European Recycling Platform (ERP) Netherlands  Tjaco Twigt and Landbell Group Paul Doertenbach to explore how the Global North and South can work together on textile EPR. Visiting Het Goed, a sorting facility that includes persons with disabilities in its workforce, reminded us that sustainability must begin with inclusion. We met with researchers from Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) in the Netherlands, part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of Netherlands. Having corresponded with them for months, it was great to finally discuss their international dimension of EPR project in person. We also met with the team from the Circular Economy, who shared their ongoing textile circularity project in Ghana. We explored how similar initiatives could be adapted and piloted in Kenya, particularly around brand involvement in supporting collection and recycling infrastructure. In Germany, Sarah joined our colleagues from BlackForest Solutions GmbH and GreenForest Solutions GmbH Solutions to exchange ideas on EPR and waste management. We had an opportunity to visit NochMall, a department store dedicated entirely to second-hand goods. It showcased how circularity can be made accessible and attractive, turning reuse into a modern, everyday experience rather than an afterthought. ( We think she left with a bag full of goodies) During an impromptu visit to the Minimise office, we saw students eager to learn about sustainability. Their curiosity was inspiring and one question, “Why are we still incinerating waste?” left us challenged and hopeful for the next generation of change-makers. This journey wasn’t just about meetings. It was about learning, connecting, and building a future where circularity works for everyone.