Kulu Eco-Services - Savant Foundry NPC

Investing in Impact

P4G has awarded the partnership with US $378,733 in grant funding.

The Kulu Eco-Services - Savant Foundry NPC partnership is driving sustainability within South Africa's waste management sector. By focusing on complex waste streams and integrating biofuel and biogas production to convert waste into clean energy, it offers innovative solutions that promote sustainability and reduce reliance on traditional waste management methods.

The partnership seeks to address a significant environmental challenge in South Africa where a staggering 122 million tons of waste is generated annually, with only 10% recycled. Existing solutions like composting have limitations, particularly complex waste streams. Furthermore, with increasing government pressure to divert organic waste from landfills, new solutions are becoming essential.

Kulu has led advancements in waste stream separation for renewable fuel and energy generation, with ongoing intellectual property and patent developments. These include efficient dewatering, solid separation and oil reclamation from challenging wastes such as grease trap waste and Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) waste; development of solvent extraction facilities tailored for complex waste streams; and integrated biofuel and biogas facilities into the plant configurations.

Kulu employs an advanced system to convert organic waste into valuable products like biofuels and biogas, alongside other renewable resources. Their innovative waste processing technologies not only provide environmental benefits but also offer economic advantages.

Kulu operates through two core business models: the "Hub and Spoke" model, which provides decentralized waste processing facilities, and the "Services" model, which offers tailored waste management solutions and consulting services.

With established partnerships involving waste generators, distributors and research institutions, Kulu is well-positioned to address the growing demand for organic waste diversion. The market is projected to divert 5 million tons of organic waste from landfills by 2027, driven by increasing environmental regulations and concerns.

To date, Kulu has advanced its operations and strategic positioning through regulatory engagement, workforce training, environmental impact and successful fundraising. The startup worked closely with city planners, legal experts and regulatory authorities in Cape Town to identify suitable zoning for future hub development. Ongoing collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE) and the Western Cape Government ensured compliance with all environmental regulations and by-laws.

Operationally, managers and staff were trained on new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to the recently introduced “splitting plant” through daily training and on-the-job coaching. These sessions emphasized health, safety, and process alignment across the workforce.

Kulu has made significant environmental strides, diverting 6,772 tons of food waste and 5,417 tons of water from landfills and treatment plants. Additionally, 5,079 tons of biofuels (B20) were produced from Kulu’s processed materials.

The startup also secured a total of US $486,500 in loan and equity financing and was featured in Engineering News, highlighting its position as a finalist for additional grant funding through the UNIDO/TIA/SAIA accelerator program.

Kulu has completed the refinement of its health & safety standards, environmental protocols, and SOPs. With new hub sites coming online, Kulu continues to deliver periodic training and upskilling for new and existing staff.

To support national expansion, Kulu is developing a Toolkit for Navigating Organic Waste Norms and Standards, designed as an easy-to-use infographic resource for internal scaling and public dissemination. Developed in collaboration with legal experts, GreenCape, the City of Cape Town and provincial authorities, the toolkit simplifies complex legislation and will guide the deployment of new hubs across the country.

Kulu has revamped its pitch deck, refreshed its brand and achieved significant investor traction – highlighted by winning a BCG award for the best pitch for emerging sustainability focused business in South Africa, sponsored by the UK Government.

Kulu also completed a feasibility study for carbon credit registration, achieving a 95% likelihood of success. Kulu will integrate carbon-credit tracking into its app and plans to offer carbon auditing services to corporate clients. The company is also piloting a small biogas plant to diversify waste-stream processing and reduce production costs.

Kulu’s visibility and global partnerships continue to grow. Participation in the 2025 P4G Vietnam Summit, SAIA accelerator events and international exhibitions has generated investor feedback, new collaborations, including exploratory work with P4G-supported startup ZhanaSolutions, and discussions on adapting Kulu’s app for global use.   Policy and regulatory engagement with national and provincial authorities, supported by academic partners, positions Kulu to influence South Africa’s evolving frameworks for organic waste, carbon reduction and bio-energy adoption.

Over the grant period, the partnership seeks to enhance its Hub functionality and safety by developing improved training manuals and standard operating procedures; implement a digital platform to reduce landfill waste and enhance waste processing; and utilize investment readiness strategies to expand operations.

Savant will provide essential support and guidance to Kulu, facilitating effective strategies and solutions to advance the partnership’s sustainability objectives and maximize its impact. Marketdoor will assist with go-to-market strategies and geographical expansion, helping Kulu scale effectively.

The partnership comprises the following partners: Kulu Eco-Services (lead business partner); Savant Foundry NPC (lead administrative partner); Marketdoor (capacity building partner).