Green Cycle Limited - Lusaka, Zambia

OVERVIEW
COUNTRY: Zambia
INDUSTRY: Manufacturing (Energy & Conservation)
PRODUCTS: Deforestation free solid fuels for cooking and heating application.

CUSTOMER PROFILE
Currently serving all major retail outlets with domestic use barbeque briquettes. We also provide heating fire blocks to major agricultural service outlets.

BUSINESS SITUATION
The gradual increase of electricity has lead the majority of industrial users to adopt the use of lumpwood charcoal, (malasha), as a cheaper heating solution. This gives rise to the colossal use of charcoal as compared to domestic users who, all too often, are identified as the drivers of deforestation in Zambia.

“At the global level, Zambia has been identified as one of the top 10 greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting countries as a  

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result of deforestation and degradation. The main driver of deforestation in Zambia have been identified as charcoal and wood fuel production, logging for timber, expansion of small scale agriculture and unsustainable agricultural practices (GRZ & UN-REDD, 2010).”

Source: UN-REDD Programme in Zambia

SOLUTION
Our charcoal alternatives are 100% bio-degradable and recyclable derived from biomass waste which is not exploited and largely considered a menace to the Lusaka City Councils already overwhelmed Landfill sites. -Most efficient solid fuel available in Zambia. -Burns cheaper and cleaner than malasha. -Made from recycled materials. -Long burning reduces time between replenishment intervals -Fluted for improved combustion.

Having identified the devastating use of lump wood charcoal, (malasha), as the main driver behind deforestation in Zambia, our business concept of an alternative solid fuel was born and to raise awareness of saving Zambia’s trees. We first started out producing BBQ briquettes as a Zambian answer to costly South African imports into the country. This was a success and we were able to match and in many cases, supersede the imported products. Our Pyro brand is now found alongside other brands in leading supermarket chains.
We decided to now venture into the industrial and Agricultural sector, identifying the poultry industry as the largest consumer of lump wood charcoal. This lead us to develop and introduce a larger and longer burning fuel unit that was easier to manage and control, which made sense from a commercial point of view. We currently supply major agriculture outlets (AgriVet Africa, Live Stock Services, Ross Breeders).
We are currently Zambia’s leading processor of combustible waste material into alternative solid fuels, which have a positive impact on the environment. Our business strategy is to target all users of solid fuels derived from the cutting down of our forests.