Milestone for Acacia Composites
Products made from intruder bush
Products like decking, wall cladding and battens are made out of a mixture of wood fibres and an environmentally friendly polymer created, using high-quality recycled 25 litre plastic bottles.
Acacia Composites reached a major milestone with the opening of a truly Namibian factory in Windhoek.During the official opening last week (Thursday 25 January), guests were taken on a tour of the impressive state of the art factory in 5 Von Braun Street in Cargo City in the Southern Industrial Area in the capital.
Products like decking, wall cladding and battens are made out of a mixture of wood fibres and an environmentally friendly polymer created, using high-quality recycled 25 litre plastic bottles.
Acacia Composites are made from intruder bush species threatening the natural ecology of Namibia. They are the first producer of composites fully made of invasive bush species, worldwide. Removing the intruder bush means recreating the natural habitat for wildlife.
Matthias Fechter, Operational Manager of Acacia Composites, said the building of the factory started in March 2023, machinery was imported in June last year and started two months later in August 2023.
“Between 60% and 70% of our super green products are exported to Germany and we anticipate to export 20% to South Africa,” Fechter said.
Director Heinrich Unland said the main goal is to export their products to the whole SADC region as well as other countries in Europe.
“Our products are of superior high quality and quality is what keeps you in business,” he said.
On why Acacia Composites chose Namibia to set up a factory, Unland said: “Our products are cheaper than in Germany. They are a little more expensive than China’s, but the quality is of high standard.”
In Germany, “good quality” decking, wall cladding, and battens have to be more than just strong, durable and long-lasting, they must also adhere to strict certified requirements.
Unland said samples of their products were sent to a laboratory in Germany for research and quality approval.
Acacia Composites chose to manufacture their products in a friendly African country where they could help create employment, inspire skills development, and uplift communities. For the company, Namibia, with its proficient artisans, tons of invasive intruder bush, and solar-friendly sunny days, was an obvious choice.
Unland said with the factory that will run on a basis of 24 hours seven days a week, operating in two separate shifts per day, more workers will be hired in future.
“If Namibian Breweries can do this, we can do this,” he said.
Acacia creates a variety of jobs, from those sorting recycled bottles to skilled artisans.
Additionally, the manufacturing process is designed to minimize waste and energy consumption, further reducing the environmental impact. This production process is CO2 neutral and will be 100% solar-powered in the near future.
Fechter said their sustainable products are resistant to rot, fading, staining, decay, and insect damage.
“The products are a great choice for outdoor use, easy to install, easy to maintain, and easy to clean.” – [email protected]