Ambiente Europe is proud to announce its partnership with the UNICEF Business Buddies programme. As a company with a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility, we are now actively contributing to a project with real, tangible impact: Plastic Bricks – building blocks for the future.
What does it involve?
With the Plastic Bricks project, UNICEF and local partners in Côte d’Ivoire are transforming plastic waste into durable building blocks. These bricks are then used to build classrooms for children who would otherwise have limited access to education. It’s a powerful example of turning waste into opportunity. Through our Business Buddie partnership, Ambiente Europe B.V. is making a direct contribution to this inspiring initiative. It’s a meaningful way to combine our sustainable production values with a global social mission.
For us, sustainability goes beyond recycled paper and local production. It’s also about making a positive impact. By supporting UNICEF, we reinforce our values, and quite literally help build a better future for the next generation.
Progress report from UNICEF
Thanks in part to the support of several Dutch donors, since the beginning of 2019, we have been able to build 359 classrooms, giving approximately 17,950 children access to education. These results are a concrete reflection of UNICEF’s approach to the market for recycled plastic waste in Côte d’Ivoire. Our commitment to constructing new classrooms to improve access to quality education for children will not only lead to more educated individuals but also lift women out of poverty while helping to keep our planet clean."
Transforming plastic waste into durable new classrooms
-
● Classroom Construction
We are contributing to the construction of 528 classrooms in areas with a shortage of schools, all made from recycled plastic. With funds from the Netherlands, at least two schools, totaling five classrooms, will be built. Each classroom will be equipped with educational materials.
-
● Teacher Training and School Facilities
With support from the Netherlands, we are training at least 135 teachers to improve their pedagogical skills. Additionally, we are providing 16 schools with toilets and water points.
-
● Access to Education
We are giving 25,000 children access to education. The five classrooms built with support from the Netherlands will provide access to 250 children.
-
● Development of New Prototypes
Since January 2023, we have been contributing to the development of new prototypes made from recycled waste from Côte d’Ivoire.
Results we already achieved
-
✔ Classroom Construction
A total of 359 classrooms have been built since the start of 2019. Currently, 60 classrooms are under construction, including the 5 classrooms funded by the Netherlands. It is expected that 96 classrooms will be completed by the end of the year. In total, approximately 3,200 tons of plastic waste have been recycled through these efforts.
-
✔ Teacher Training and School Facilities
UNICEF has trained 70 of the 135 teachers in improving their pedagogical skills.
-
✔ Access to Education
To date, around 17,950 children have received access to education.
-
✔ Development of New Prototypes
Several new prototypes made from recycled plastic waste have been developed, including a school bench. The design of the school bench is currently under review.
Meanwhile, we have also completed one of our goals: the training of 150 women in collecting, safely storing, and processing plastic waste. The training also includes crucial skills such as cooperation, communication, and entrepreneurship. These women receive a fair price for their work, enabling them to build a new future for their families. The training is now provided by our partner who operates the recycling plant.

