United Nations Industrial Development Organization
2013 marked the start of a formal partnership between WorldLoop and UNIDO. Because UNIDO’s mandate is to promote and accelerate sustainable industrial development, including e-waste recycling activities, in developing countries and economies in transition, the synergies between the two organizations were obvious and complementary.
UNIDO, together with its 35 National Cleaner Production Centres, focuses on:
- Promoting an environmental service industry in developing countries
- Preparing national e-waste assessment reports
- Establishing partnerships with national and international institutions from the public and private sector
- Facilitating the establishment of local and regional e-waste dismantling and recycling facilities
And has:
- Commissioned country assessments in Uganda, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago
- Supported pilot projects in 4 countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Cambodia
- A project pipeline in Latin America involving 13 countries
WorldLoop recognizes UNIDO’s vast knowledge in promoting sustainable industrial development in developing countries and shares UNIDO’s vision on the best-of-2-worlds model for e-waste recycling. UNIDO recognizes WorldLoop’s hands on experience in the management of e-waste recycling projects, including project selection & monitoring, providing technical assistance, and the disposal of hazardous materials.
As a first collaboration area, UNIDO and WorldLoop joined forces in Tanzania. Following UNIDO’s country assessment and identification of recycling partners in the country, WorldLoop performed a baseline assessment of 4 potential recyclers in Tanzania. After the initial assessment, WorldLoop supported the recyclers to develop a business plan and technical plan for their recycling facility. The final objective of the collaboration in Tanzania is to set up a large dismantling facility based in Dar Es Salaam that is expected to be launched in the 2nd half of 2014.