Takazuri and BASF have collaborated to create smart building solutions that are built to last in Eastern Africa. With a focus on building climate resilience with sustainable products, these solutions incorporate Climatile technology from Takazuri, which utilizes locally collected and converted post-consumer materials.

Furthermore, additive packages from BASF have been specifically tailored to suit the unique weather conditions of the region. This collaboration aims to provide long-term, environmentally friendly solutions that promote economic development in Africa and make a positive impact on both the construction industry and the local communities with a potential to scale to other regions.

“Sustainability is at the core of our business. Our commitment is reflected in our products, which are designed for high performance and multi-functionality while utilizing locally collected and converted waste from urban settings, and soon, from ocean plastics collected off the Kenyan coast,” explains Maria Schlesinger, CoFounder and CEO, Takazuri.

Climatile is a roofing and cladding solution that acts as a cool roof/wall to improve indoor temperatures with enhanced insulation and improved solar reflectance and emittance. It also provides a safe rainwater-harvesting surface without corrosion.

“Throughout the development of our technology, BASF has been an invaluable partner, assisting us in areas such as process optimization, thermal stabilization and enhancing the service life of the post-consumer recyclates. BASF’s expertise has been especially crucial in creating additive packages tailored to the harsh weather conditions in this region,” adds Maria.

Alongside BASF, Takazuri has strategically partnered with Gabriel Chemie, a leading masterbatch producer in Europe, who provides customized Combi-Batch containing colors and stabilizers to ease the dispersion and homogeneity in the polymer matrix during the conversion of the tile.

“Our team discussed extensively with the Takazuri team to understand the technical requirements, specifications and market positioning targeted by Climatile. On this basis it was possible to optimally design the most suitable additive system to meet the challenges of using post-consumer recycled materials for long-term outdoor exposure,” said Bettina Sobotka, Head of Global Marketing and Development, Plastic Additives, BASF. “We sincerely hope that the construction sector and local communities in East Africa can benefit from this collaboration, thereby fostering economic growth.”