On 15 July 2025, the Plastic Odyssey vessel docked in Longoni, Mayotte, marking the beginning of an unprecedented partnership with Acted, present on the island since the early hours after Cyclone Chido struck.
The cyclone, which severely disrupted infrastructure and waste management systems, exposed the island’s growing vulnerability to environmental challenges—making the partnership with Plastic Odyssey both timely and relevant.
Acted and Plastic Odyssey’s common goal illustrates Alliance2015’s commitment to ensure inclusive economic recovery, and environmental justice—in close coordination with local stakeholders and communities.
Clean Up, Recycle, Empower — A 3ZERO Operation in Action
This collaboration began in April, with Acted advancing its 3ZERO vision (Zero exclusion, Zero carbon, Zero poverty) by creating and promoting inclusive, sustainable, and community-based solutions to combat plastic pollution. The initiative combines innovation, local engagement, and operational coordination to create long-term impact.
To prepare for the Plastic Odyssey event, Acted created a local committee made up of member associations of the Mayotte Nature Environnement collective, which launched a series of public clean-up days across the island during the three months leading up to the boat’s stopover. Acted also provided logistical support, including transport of waste, safety equipment (gloves, tongs, boots) and coordination of volunteer groups. These events had a dual environmental and social objective, which is the cornerstone of Acted’s 3ZERO strategy.
The collected waste was delivered and stored at the port pending the arrival of the vessel. On board, the waste is recycled and transformed into planks called ‘profiles’. These are then assembled in a temporary carpentry workshop financed by acted and built on dry land near the vessel. Thanks to Plastic Odyssey’s on-board machinery and the expertise of local craftsmen, the plastic waste has been transformed into furniture and everyday objects for use by the community.
Circular Economy Meets Social Innovation
Beyond awareness-raising, this operation aimed to highlight and strengthen the local ecosystem of social and green innovation. Plastic Odyssey and Acted identified and showcased local associations and businesses working in plastic Beyond awareness-raising, this operation aimed to highlight and strengthen the local ecosystem of social and green innovation. Plastic Odyssey and Acted identified and showcased local associations and businesses working in plastic recycling or reduction—amplifying their impact and connecting them with new opportunities.
Onboard demonstrations showed how collected plastic could be turned into construction materials and finished goods, proving that waste can become a resource. A discussion was organised with the citizens’ committee to consider practical uses for recycled plastic. Together, we came up with ideas for useful items for the neighbourhood, such as recycling bins, public benches, football goals and swings. These products were then donated to schools, NGOs, and families in need, combining sustainability with social inclusion.
Plastic Odyssey’s stopover in Mayotte and association with Acted is a demonstration of how humanitarian and environmental actors, and communities, can join forces to address global challenges through local action.
By actively involving local communities, artisans, youth, and civil society, Acted and Plastic Odyssey show that impactful change happens when local realities are taken into account and innovation is shared.