Recycled Polyester Sewing Threads (Helton Eco-Thread)
MLC Voyager | Helton Traders
Helton Traders transform post-consumer plastic bottles into affordable recycled polyester sewing thread for Uganda’s textile and garment sector. Implemented in Uganda, the innovation reaches waste pickers, wholesalers, tailors, school-uniform makers, small factories, and low-income communities affected by plastic waste. It addresses plastic pollution, high dependence on imported sewing thread, limited green jobs, and the need for affordable textile inputs.
250,000 Lives Impacted
Helton Traders are improving livelihoods by creating income opportunities across the plastic waste and textile value chains while reducing plastic pollution in vulnerable communities. To date, the innovation has directly engaged 110 waste pickers, 14 employees, 100 wholesalers, and an estimated 5,000 downstream enterprise users, including retailers, tailors, school-uniform makers, and small factories. Waste pickers earn approximately USD 0.15 more per kg of plastic bottles collected, supported by better pricing, steady demand, and a dependable local market. Helton Traders’ recycled polyester sewing thread is also USD 11 less costly per 10kg carton than imported alternatives, representing about 22% savings on threads input costs for traders and small garment businesses.
Using household-support assumptions, Helton Traders estimate 104,790 people benefit through income and enterprise activity, while an additional 145,210 people benefit from cleaner, healthier surroundings as plastic waste is collected and recycled. Overall, Helton has impacted an estimated 250,000 people and recycled over 1,200 tonnes of plastic bottles.
The Innovation
Helton Traders’ innovation converts post-consumer plastic bottles into recycled polyester sewing threads for Uganda’s textile and garment industry. The process begins with the collection of used plastic bottles from communities, waste pickers, and collection points. The bottles are sorted, cleaned, and prepared for recycling. They are then processed into staple fiber, which is transformed into threads suitable for sewing, tailoring, garment production, and school-uniform making. The thread is wound, packaged, quality-checked, and supplied to wholesalers, retailers, tailors, and fashion businesses through distributors.
The innovation is unique because it connects circular waste management with local textile manufacturing. It reduces plastic pollution, substitutes imported sewing thread with a more affordable local alternative, and strengthens income opportunities for women, youth, and small businesses. Helton Traders’ threads reduce input costs by about 22% compared to imported alternatives, while helping build a greener and more inclusive textile supply chain.
Currently implemented in Uganda, Helton Traders plan to scale production capacity, strengthen quality certification, expand partnerships with waste collectors, and grow regional distribution, starting with East African markets such as Kenya and Rwanda.
About Helton Traders
Helton Traders Limited is a Ugandan circular manufacturing enterprise transforming post-consumer plastic waste into affordable polyester sewing threads for the textile industry. Their mission is to reduce plastic pollution, create inclusive green jobs for women and youth, and provide locally made, affordable textile inputs that support small businesses. Helton Traders envision a cleaner, more inclusive Africa where waste is transformed into economic opportunity.
