This is what some of the prototypes created by Abel look like, made from recycled plastic that most likely would otherwise have been incinerated.
Abel Hailu Kebede, 40, sits at a white table in his apartment in Morö Backe. Before him are several small blocks that, at first glance, appear to be made of stone.
– We have attempted to replicate materials such as marble, but everything is produced from recycled plastic that would most likely have been incinerated, he says with enthusiasm.
He has carried out the actual production in his home's conventional oven and subsequently asked a friend to cut them. Simultaneously, he is developing a machine that will eventually be capable of producing similar tiles up to three meters in length. These tiles are intended for applications such as kitchen counter tops, wall panels, and flooring.
– They're resistant to water, acid, and scratches. Furthermore, we are in the process of developing them to withstand temperatures of 350 degrees, which I believe we can achieve, says Abel.
This is what some of the prototypes created by Abel look like, made from recycled plastic that most likely would otherwise have been incinerated.
Creating plastic counter-tops isn't his first invention; Abel has always been passionate about innovation.
– I’ve always enjoyed testing and developing technical gadgets – seeing what works. I’m the kind of person who always asks “why not?” when someone says it can’t be done a certain way, he says, smiling.
His previous inventions include a machine for asphalt made from sand and plastic bags, and another for vases and bowls from recycled plastic. That latter machine inspired his current project.
When a friend bought a house, he asked if Abel could make a kitchen counter-top.
– I tried to find a machine, but couldn’t, so I made my own drawing and contacted a company to build it. The result was really good, says Abel, who moved to Sweden in 2022 to study.
He chose Sweden over Norway, the UK, Germany, and Finland.
– I researched and chose Sweden because it’s a very innovative country, while also working hard to eliminate plastic, says Abel.
He studied marketing at Umeå University but kept working on innovations. In 2022, he won 5,000 kronor for the best university innovation, and in 2023, he was recognised after an innovation boot camp.
Abel Hailu Kebede is from Ethiopia but has lived in Sweden since 2022.
After his studies finished in 2024, he found a job at Northvolt in Skellefteå through a temp agency, staying until the end of November, when he was one of those laid off. Following that, unsuccessful job applications led him to fully commit to his innovation.
– Being made redundant from Northvolt became a “blessing and a curse” for me, says Abel, who has recently connected with local plastics companies, received help developing a business plan, and met with potential clients.
His innovation shows promise. Region Västerbotten awarded an innovation grant of 580,000 kronor, and Almi contributed 15,000 kronor for a patent feasibility study.
– I’ve received confirmation that my work is an innovation, and this has opened many doors, says Abel.
Hitills har han testat sig fram i sin egen ugn i lägenheten, men han har en ritning färdig på en maskin som ska kunna tillverka skivor som är tre gånger en meter.
Abel is currently starting his own limited company, changing his work permit, and seeking more investors. He’s optimistic his panels will be a major success, especially since they use rarely recycled plastics, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) which is usually found in shampoo bottles, plastic chairs, plastic tubes, bottle caps and other packaging. This means construction companies, for example, could use his solution for better environmental ratings in future projects.
What’s your one-year business outlook?
– If I find the right investors, I think we’ll have hired four to six people and started producing large panels for construction companies and resellers, like those in the kitchen industry.
He also plans to build a factory in Skellefteå to create jobs and boost plastic recycling innovation.
– I really don’t want to leave Skellefteå, where I’ve received so much support from businesses, the municipality, and many others. They’ve gone above and beyond for me, says Abel.
Since this interview, Abel has also been confirmed as a regional finalist in the Venture Cup innovation competition.
– It feels really great, and it helps my project gain credibility, and also gives me credibility as an entrepreneur, says Abel.
The Venture Cup national finalists will be announced on May 14 in Umeå.
This is what some of the prototypes created by Abel look like, made from recycled plastic that most likely would otherwise have been incinerated.
Abel Hailu Kebede is from Ethiopia but has lived in Sweden since 2022.