French group brings plastic recycling innovation to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Amid the growing threat to the world’s coral reefs, where vibrant marine life is being overwhelmed by waves of plastic waste, a French non-profit is bringing an innovative solution to Cebu in a bid to make a difference.

Plastic Odyssey recently introduced its efforts to tackle plastic pollution by turning waste into valuable end-products.

Plastic Odyssey president and co-founder Simon Bernard explained that for the past seven years, the organization has focused on addressing plastic pollution at its source, before it reaches the ocean, where recovery becomes nearly impossible.

He emphasized that once plastic degrades into microparticles, the damage is irreversible.

“We are focusing on capturing this plastic from the environment and turning it into something positive,” Bernard said.

Last Thursday, in partnership with Delfingen Foundation in Lapu-Lapu City, the organization launched a new plastic recycling micro-factory.

The organization has already established two micro-factories with local partners, creating the shredded bits of plastics into lumber.

According to Bernard, the ergonomic recycling chains can transform more than 500 tons of plastic waste into high-value products per year, particularly for the furniture and other construction materials.

He said plastic recycling is complicated. It’s not just about using a machine to recycle and calling it done.

The entire process needs to be organized — from collecting the plastic to recycling it and finally creating the finished product.

Since 2022, Plastic Odyssey has been traveling to the world’s polluted countries, including the three continents of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.

The mission is to identify affordable, replicable plastic recycling solutions so that they can share and benchmark as they sail to other countries.

“We need the knowledge of everyone worldwide to really join forces and find a way to make it work,” he said.

Aside from the factories, Plastic Odyssey’s initiative is also focused on educational outreach.

More than just a ship, it serves as a laboratory with innovative recycling solutions and prototype-testing facilities.

The vessel features a recycling workshop and machines with shredders, washers, dryers, and extruders that turn plastic flakes into usable objects such as tiles, vases, and platforms.

In Manila and Cebu, the Plastic Odyssey team has already hosted 800 Filipino children, offering hands-on learning experiences aboard the vessel.

Bernard admitted that that plastic has little to no value compared to metals like copper or aluminum, which recyclers actively collect.

This is why they want to innovate ways to turn plastic waste into valuable products.

“Plastic Odyssey is trying to collect the waste and make it into a product so that we can increase the value,” he furthered.

With 20 personnel aboard, the vessel will be staying for over a month in Cebu before sailing for their 26th country. — (FREEMAN)