What are materials for production?

Materials for production are the items used to make goods or provide services. They include raw goods (e.g., maize), parts (e.g., bolts), consumables (e.g., glue), and packaging. Good selection of materials affects cost, quality, safety and environmental impact.

Key terms

• Raw materials: Unprocessed inputs (e.g., coffee cherries, cotton fibre).
• Consumables: Items used up in production (e.g., lubricants, fuel).
• Components: Manufactured parts assembled into a product (e.g., engine parts).
• Packaging materials: Boxes, plastics, labels used to pack goods.
• Storage conditions: Temperature and humidity requirements to keep materials safe.
• KEBS: Kenya Bureau of Standards — sets Kenyan product and material standards.

Types of materials (with Kenyan examples)

• Agricultural raw materials: Maize, tea leaves, coffee cherries, sugarcane, cotton — used in food and textile industries.
• Mineral & construction materials: Sand, ballast, cement, timber, laterite — used in building and infrastructure.
• Industrial raw materials: Iron/steel, aluminium, plastics — used in fabrication and manufacturing.
• Leather & hides: From Kenyan livestock — used in shoes, bags and garments.
• Packaging: Cardboard boxes, jute bags (common in Kenya), plastics, tin cans.
• Utilities & consumables: Electricity, fuel, water, adhesives, cleaning agents.

Factors to consider when choosing materials

• Cost: Purchase cost + transport + storage. Local sourcing reduces transport cost.
• Quality & standards: Conformity to KEBS and industry standards ensures safety and market access.
• Availability: Seasonal items (e.g., maize) need planning — consider local suppliers and cooperatives.
• Durability & performance: Does the material last and perform in Kenyan climatic conditions?
• Environmental impact: Avoid materials linked to deforestation or pollution; prefer recycled or sustainably sourced options.
• Health & safety: Hazardous chemicals need proper storage, PPE, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Handling and storage tips

General: Label boxes clearly, rotate stock (First-In-First-Out), store hazardous materials separately with signage.

Quality control and standards

• Use sampling and testing to check quality — moisture content, strength tests, or lab analysis where needed.
• Follow Kenyan standards (KEBS) and buyer specifications — documentation helps when exporting (tea, coffee).
• Keep supplier records and certificates of conformity for compliance and traceability.

Environmental & community considerations

Choose materials that support local farmers and small businesses when possible. Avoid practices that cause soil erosion, deforestation or water pollution. Reuse and recycle packaging (e.g., jute bags, cardboard) to lower waste and costs.

Quick revision

1. Name three raw materials common in Kenyan industries and one product made from each.
2. Why is KEBS important when choosing materials for production?
3. List two safe storage practices for chemicals and two for grains.

Tip: For question practice, answer in short sentences and include Kenyan examples (e.g., tea — processed into tea leaves/packets).

Remember (mnemonic)

SAVE — Source locally, Assess quality, Verify standards, Ensure safe storage.

Short glossary

MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet — information on handling hazardous materials.

Cooperative: Group of producers (common in Kenyan tea/coffee) that helps with buying/selling materials and marketing produce.