Bidco Uganda Limited Recognized for Exceptional Environmental Sustainability at NESA 2025
Bidco Uganda Limited was recognized for its exceptional sustainable management of production inputs under the Soap and Detergent category at this year’s National Environment Sustainability Awards (NESA), 2025. The awards, held on June 27, 2025, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, aim to recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability in Uganda. These awards honor individuals, organizations, and communities that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting and preserving the environment. By highlighting best practices and innovative solutions, NESA seeks to inspire broader participation in sustainable development efforts across the country.
The award is not taken for granted, as emphasized by Mr. Godfrey Bright, the Regional Head of Environmental Engineering. According to Mr. Bright, preparations had to be made within a limited time frame to organize and present all the sustainability initiatives implemented by the organization. This included compiling information on expenditures and cost-saving measures.
Below are some of the sustainability initiatives undertaken by Bidco Uganda Limited (BUL), which led to the company’s emergence as the winner of the NESA Award 2025, as narrated by Mr. Godfrey Bright:
Key Environmental Sustainability Initiatives by BUL
- 25MT TPD Bagasse-Fired Boiler
BUL installed a 25MT TPD bagasse-fired boiler that has led to significant energy savings of approximately 450 KWh, equating to a power cost saving of around USD 864 per hour.
- High-Pressure Steam for Refinery Plant
The same boiler supplies high-pressure steam to the refinery plant, generating an estimated monthly saving of USD 40,000 compared to using fossil fuels (diesel). This initiative has also reduced atmospheric stack emissions (greenhouse gases), contributing to a lower carbon footprint at the site.
- High-Pressure Steam for Detergent Plant
Similarly, steam is supplied to the detergent plant, generating savings of USD 12,000 per month. This eliminates the need for diesel to operate heat burners, further reducing atmospheric carbon emissions.
- Investment in Electric Forklifts
BUL has invested in electric forklifts, resulting in monthly savings of USD 25,000 due to lower maintenance costs and the elimination of fuel/LPG usage. This initiative also reduces carbon emissions associated with burning fossil fuels.
- Afforestation and Tree Seedling Program
BUL maintains a 4-acre forest plantation and provides free tree seedlings to communities. Although this project does not generate direct financial savings, it contributes to atmospheric carbon sequestration and environmental conservation. BUL spends approximately USD 25,000 annually on this initiative.
- Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)
BUL owns a USD 500,000, 150TPD state-of-the-art ETP, with a daily unit operating cost of USD 2.00 per metric ton. The company pays around USD 850 annually in government monitoring and discharge fees. Notably, 80% of treated water is reused in-house, promoting water conservation. While the plant does not yield direct profits, it improves BUL’s environmental reputation and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Investment in Laboratory Technology
BUL has invested in modern laboratory equipment, including the NIRS (USD 95,000), Rancimat (USD 48,000), and UV-spectrophotometer. These tools have reduced chemical consumption by 40% and improved worker safety by minimizing exposure to hazardous substances.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives
BUL engages in multiple CSR projects, supporting education, healthcare, kingdom activities, and infrastructure development. In FY-2024, BUL spent USD 95,000 on community programs, which have significantly improved living conditions around its operational areas.
- City Waste Management
BUL initiated a city dustbin project aimed at sustainable waste management. Dustbins have been placed across Kampala Capital City, with regular maintenance and replacement. The project has cost BUL approximately USD 250,000 and is ongoing, directly contributing to cleaner urban environments.
- Full Compliance with Environmental Regulations
BUL maintains 100% compliance with environmental regulations. This includes conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) for all development projects, completing annual environmental compliance audits, paying all legal fees on time, and holding up-to-date environmental certificates. This robust compliance record was a significant factor in winning the NESA award.
- Reduction of Plastic Packaging
BUL has reduced the plastic content in its detergent packaging tins from 62g to 52g, decreasing plastic use by 10 metric tons per month and saving USD 15,500. This initiative strongly aligned with this year’s environmental theme of reducing plastic pollution.
- Use of Recyclable Plastic Types
BUL uses resin codes 2 (HDPE) and 5 (PP)—plastics that are recyclable and considered safe. These materials are used in both hard plastics and pouch sachets, helping to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.
- Public Environmental Awareness and Partnerships
BUL actively supports environmental awareness campaigns through partnerships with organizations such as the Busoga Development Agency (BUDA) and Girls for Climate Change (GCC). These partnerships promote community education on waste management, climate change, and environmental safeguards.
- Environmental Certification
BUL is ISO 14001:2025 certified and operates a fully functional Environmental Management System (EMS). Annual audits of the EMS ensure continuous improvement in sustainability practices.
Mr. Godfrey Bright attributed this prestigious award to top management’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. “Without their support and the allocation of resources, Bidco would not have achieved this milestone,” he said. The company’s leadership continues to champion innovation and responsibility in environmental stewardship, positioning BUL as a sustainability leader in Uganda’s manufacturing sector.