World Recycling Day: It's Up to All of Us to Protect Our Island, Says Dr. Arvin Boolell
On Wednesday, March 18, PIM Recycling, a key player in plastic recycling in Mauritius, celebrated World Recycling Day. For the second edition of this event, the company aimed to go further by highlighting those who contribute to the circular economy.
In collaboration with WeCycle, which focuses on recycling paper and cardboard, PIM launched "What We Save," a mini-film that unveils a thriving sector.
The idea is to honor an ecosystem encompassing various stakeholders and demonstrate that the circular economy is already in motion in Mauritius.
The film was unveiled at Odysseo on March 18, in the presence of Dr. Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, Fabrice David, Deputy Minister, and many committed actors in the sector.
During the event, the film "The City Cigarette Butt" was screened. This educational short film produced by the French NGO Gestes Propres traces the journey of an abandoned cigarette butt from the city to the ocean, highlighting the often-invisible impacts of small waste on marine ecosystems.
Through its immersive format, the film reminds us of an essential reality: even the most trivial actions can have lasting consequences.
"We can replace the image of a cigarette butt with any other waste image because what we see remains true! The responsibility we have when we hold waste is even more significant as an island nation," emphasized Caroline Rault.
With "What We Save," PIM Recycling and WeCycle offer an immersion into a dynamic ecosystem. The film showcases several local initiatives such as La Déchetèque, Hé-Co, and The Repair Collective, as well as a constellation of actors who, at various levels, contribute to transforming waste into resources.
While recycling is often at the heart of discussions, it only represents part of the equation. The circular economy relies on a much broader system involving a diversity of complementary actors.
In just a few minutes, this film encapsulates the entire dynamic of a sector innovating and creating local value with a strong message: in Mauritius, the circular economy is indeed underway.
Beyond raising awareness, this World Recycling Day also serves as a call to action. In Mauritius, where a significant portion of waste is still buried, the potential for recovery remains considerable. However, realizing this potential requires collective mobilization.
"The health of our ocean, the security of our food, the promise of our blue economy – all of this also depends on what we do collectively here," reminded Eric Corson. He called for enhanced commitment from authorities: "We are now waiting for the framework and the green light. Together, we represent an ecosystem that needs strong institutional support to develop fully."
To move forward, it is also essential to acknowledge the progress made and encourage those who are committed daily.
In this dynamic, Yannick Merven, General Manager of WeCycle, congratulated those who sustain the Mauritian circular economy ecosystem: "We operate in a sector that demands significant commitment, perseverance, and collaboration, as transforming a waste management system takes time and requires the involvement of many actors. Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all stakeholders engaged in this transition."
Eric Corson added, "We have gathered small artisans, collectors, recyclers, and industrialists – a whole engaged ecosystem. Actors who have made a choice – not always the easiest or most profitable, but the right one. Together, we represent a strong ecosystem."
The choice of Odysseo to host this event is significant. In this place dedicated to exploring the marine world, environmental issues take on a concrete dimension. It reminds us what these initiatives aim to preserve: the oceans, biodiversity, and, more broadly, the balance of our environment.
"We chose this venue so that we never lose sight of what we are seeking to protect," explained Eric Corson.
Dr. Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, stated: "This is a very good initiative. Here, there have been exchanges of ideas, but beyond sharing, the actors are taking action and sending very strong signals regarding the circular economy. It is essential that everyone participates, and we are all fully on board. It is up to all of us to protect our island. We are an island of Mauritius on the move."
Eric Corson, Managing Director of PIM Limited, remarked: "Sorting is not something that is decreed: it is structured, organized, learned, and encouraged. Unfortunately, incivility is a daily reality. We expect authorities to resolutely tackle these issues. We need resources and structures allocated as soon as possible. The act of sorting must replace the act of throwing away."
Yannick Merven, General Manager of WeCycle, added: "We know that the government is currently working on several important measures regarding sorting and waste recovery, including the vision of transforming our waste 'from waste to wealth.' We look forward to seeing these announcements turn into concrete actions. With the right public policies and a suitable regulatory framework, the circular economy can become a real new pillar of the Mauritian economy."
Caroline Rault, President of Odysseo Foundation and Chair of the circular economy subcommittee of the sustainable & inclusive growth commission of Business Mauritius, stated: "To emphasize this essential connection between land and sea, we organized this World Recycling Day at Odysseo today. Together with the Odysseo Foundation, we further strengthen awareness around these issues. Every piece of waste we hold is a true civic decision – and on an island, this responsibility is even greater. Recycling is protecting our oceans. Let us commit, recommit, and overcommit, as citizens, government, parastatal institutions, and the private sector, to apply the principles of the circular economy for our island."
Kevin Ramkaloan, CEO of Business Mauritius, concluded: "To accelerate the transition, we need clear, progressive, and predictable regulatory frameworks, consistent economic incentives, whether through green financing, fiscal mechanisms, or public procurement policies promoting circular solutions. Execution discipline is also necessary. Mauritius adopted a national roadmap in 2023. The priority now is implementation, sector by sector, value chain by value chain. Finally, a general change in mentality is crucial. The circular economy is not just about recycling. It involves rethinking business models, stimulating innovation, and integrating sustainability as a lever for performance. For a small island state like Mauritius, circularity is strategic. It enhances our resource security, reduces our environmental pressure, improves our attractiveness to international investors, and positions Mauritius in increasingly demanding global value chains.
