Ambiente joins UNICEF as a Business Buddie

UNICEF Business Buddies is a network of purpose-driven companies that provide ongoing support for children’s rights and sustainable development goals.

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.

"Due to the significant waste problem and the shortage of schools in Ivory Coast, UNICEF and its partners launched a unique and innovative program. Women from poorer communities collect plastic waste, which is then recycled into building blocks for classrooms. 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."

4 GOALS WE SET:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

4 RESULTS WE ACHIEVED:

1. Classroom Construction: As of the beginning of 2019, a total of 359 classrooms have been built. 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.
2. Teacher Training and School Facilities: UNICEF has trained 70 of the 135 teachers in improving their pedagogical skills.
3. Access to Education: To date, around 17,950 children have received access to education.
4. 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: training 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."