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- Makerere University Business School, Kampala
In this episode of The GreenLyf Podcast, we sat down with an incredible guest, Hellen Munyasa, a trailblazer in sustainable fashion and the founder of Helton Traders Limited. Hellen’s journey is nothing short of inspiring: she studied industrial and fine arts and from that pioneered a business that turns plastic waste into locally produced threads faster, at better prices, while solving two big problems: plastic pollution and sewing thread shortages. Impressive Right!
We dive into her story, her company’s mission, and how the circular economy is shaping the future of textiles. If you’re passionate about sustainability, entrepreneurship, or just love a good success story, this episode is for you!
Hellen Munyasa is the founder and CEO of Helton Traders Ltd, which transforms recycled plastic bottles into high–quality polyester sewing threads.
Helton Traders Ltd. runs with the mission to recycle over 15,000 tons of plastic annually and create 10,000 jobs by 2030.
She has been recognized for her contributions with several prestigious awards, including:
Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, she is also a delegate at Youth Connekt Africa, where she engages in discussions on youth entrepreneurship and climate action.
Through her work at Helton Traders Ltd, Hellen is driving real change by reducing plastic pollution, promoting sustainable fashion, and empowering communities through job creation.
Hellen describes herself as an artist at heart. With a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Fine Arts from Makerere University, she has always been drawn to the world of fashion and design. But she wanted to do more than just create beautiful things—she wanted her work to have a positive impact.
Her passion for sustainability, art, and community empowerment led her to explore new ways to merge creativity with environmental responsibility. That’s how she found herself at the forefront of the circular economy movement in fashion.
Helton Traders Limited was founded with a bold mission: to transform the textile industry with sustainable solutions that empower local economies, protect the environment, and promote gender equality. Helton is committed to solving plastic pollution while addressing the under-supply of polyester sewing threads in Uganda and East Africa.
As they transform discarded materials into polyester sewing threads, the company works towards reducing waste, creating jobs and empowering communities.
Hellen’s approach demonstrates that fashion can be both stylish and sustainable.
One of the most fascinating parts of Hellen’s work is her commitment to upcycling. Instead of letting plastic waste pile up in landfills, Helton Traders uses innovative techniques to convert it into usable textiles.
This is a great way to apply circular economy principles, where materials are reused, recycled, and repurposed rather than discarded. Helton is committed to core values that include driving sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment while delivering reliable, efficient solutions
Hellen’s work challenges the fashion industry’s outdated, practices and sets a new standard for sustainability.
Hellen’s story reminds us that passion and purpose can truly make a difference. Here are some key lessons that really popped up out of our conversation:
If you’ve ever wondered whether your actions can help fight climate change, Hellen’s journey shows that every effort counts, you be both sustainable and profitable.
This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable steps for anyone interested in sustainable fashion, entrepreneurship, or environmental activism.
Tune in now on [Spotify] (or YouTube)!
Don’t forget to subscribe to The GreenLyf Podcast for more stories from changemakers like Hellen Munyasa!
