Enabling transparency across the packaging lifecycle

As Kenya pushes for a cleaner, more sustainable future, consumer goods companies are under growing pressure to rethink how their packaging is designed, used and recycled. The Kenya Plastics Pact recently reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate unnecessary single‑use plastics and ensure that 100 percent of plastic packaging is recyclable or reusable by 2030. At the same time, government regulations, especially the Extended Producer Responsibility rules mandate that producers take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products and packaging.

Traceability grounded in GS1 standards is a key lever in this transformation. By assigning a Global Trade Item Number to every product, companies gain a unique identifier for each item. Two‑dimensional barcodes can then carry critical packaging data, such as material type, recyclability classification, weight and design version. The Global Location Number enables CPG firms to map every distribution node—factories, collection points and recycling centers. Meanwhile, the Serial Shipping Container Code tracks how packaging moves through transit and storage. With this system in place, producers can better account for exactly how their packaging is used, reused or recovered and align with Kenya’s circular economy goals. Traceability does not just support compliance, it helps companies redesign packaging, reduce waste and build trust with consumers who care about sustainability.