The purpose of the visit was to gain firsthand insight into Kenya's growing packaging sector and to explore how FSC can better position its strategies to support sustainability in Eastern Africa.
The FSC delegation included Peter Alele (Ph.D.) (FSC Regional Director, Africa), Sebastian Wieschalla (Head of the Legal Department, FSC International ), Justina Vaiciute (Programme Manager for Corporate Affairs & Compliance, FSC International), and Paul Opanga (Senior Manager, Labour Affairs FSC International). They engaged with industry leaders to discuss the potential of FSC certification in Kenya.
FSC has established a strong presence in South Africa, where its certification is widely recognized and integrated into the packaging industry. As a well-developed market, South Africa serves as a benchmark for sustainable packaging solutions, demonstrating how certification can drive industry-wide transformation. Nairobi, as a rapidly emerging hub, is following a similar trajectory, offering significant potential for FSC to expand its impact within the region.
Kenya's packaging market was valued at approximately $585 million in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2021 to 2026. This sector contributes about 2% to Kenya’s GDP, driven by a rapidly growing population, an expanding middle class, and increasing consumer demand for convenience and quality. The market is dominated by food and beverage packaging, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Additionally, the shift toward flexible packaging solutions—such as pouches and wraps—reflects evolving consumer preferences. Kenya’s commitment to sustainability is evident through initiatives like the Kenya Plastics Pact, which aims to foster a circular economy for plastic packaging. These factors position Nairobi as a promising hub for sustainable packaging growth in the region.
Strengthening the link between certification and market recognition
FSC certification is globally recognized as the gold standard for responsible forest management and sustainable supply chains. In Kenya, leading packaging firms like Dodhia and EAPI are embracing FSC certification not only as a compliance measure but also as a strategic advantage for accessing global markets. However, company representatives noted that consumer awareness and market recognition of FSC-certified products in Kenya still have room for improvement.
A representative from EAPI emphasized this point by stating, "FSC certification is becoming an essential requirement for our clients, particularly those exporting to environmentally conscious markets. While awareness needs to improve, we see growing interest in FSC-certified packaging as sustainability becomes a non-negotiable factor in international trade."
Sebastian Wieschalla reinforced this perspective, highlighting the region’s shift towards sustainable practices: "The momentum for sustainable packaging in this region is undeniable. Companies are not just reacting to market demands; they are actively leading the way toward a greener future with FSC."
For Justina Vaiciute, the visit underscored the strong business case for sustainability: "Sustainability in packaging is not just about regulatory compliance—it’s a responsibility and a competitive advantage. Seeing companies embed sustainability deeply into their operations is truly inspiring."
FSC’s commitment to a sustainable future
The visit reaffirmed FSC’s commitment to supporting the packaging industry in Eastern Africa by strengthening the benefits of certification, increasing market visibility, and driving meaningful engagement with businesses. With Nairobi emerging as a key player in sustainable packaging, FSC aims to enhance its presence in the region to ensure that responsible businesses receive the recognition and market access they deserve.
As FSC continues its mission to promote responsible forest management, its engagement with Kenya’s packaging industry marks a significant step toward a future in which sustainability is the industry standard, not the exception.