In response to Mali’s growing environmental challenges, Ayuda en Acción, Indorama Ventures and IMG Group have partnered to launch “Bamagreen,” a groundbreaking recycling and reforestation initiative based in Bamako. The project, the first under IMG Group’s Plastic2Prosperity program and developed through its adaPETation® network, seeks to boost plastic circularity while creating socio-economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.

The initiative is designed to address two pressing issues: Mali’s worsening plastic waste crisis and the need for inclusive economic development. It aims to demonstrate how recycling can serve not only as an environmental solution but also as a catalyst for job creation and community resilience, especially in contexts marked by displacement and economic instability.

At its core, Bamagreen focuses on inclusive growth. The project will provide stable and dignified employment to approximately 1,950 individuals—40% of them women—through activities centered on recycling and environmental education. City-wide campaigns will also reach more than 100,000 residents, raising awareness around reforestation and responsible waste management.

The program will enhance the operational capacity of ECOBUILD, a local social enterprise, to expand recycling capabilities in Bamako. It will also introduce environmental education programs to help curb the effects of unmanaged plastic waste. The city is currently grappling with widespread open dumping and deforestation, which are accelerating both pollution and desertification.

“This agreement reflects our commitment to sustainability and to creating opportunities for the most vulnerable populations,” said Jean Christophe Gerard, regional coordinator for the Sahel at Ayuda en Acción. “We are not only addressing an environmental problem but also providing economic opportunities for those who need them most.”

Yash Lohia, executive president and chairman of the ESG Council at Indorama Ventures, a global sustainable chemical company, emphasized the transformative potential of recycling. “At Indorama Ventures, we believe waste is not just a problem—it’s an opportunity. By raising awareness and investing in circular solutions like Plastic2Prosperity, we can turn environmental challenges into engines of growth.”

Carlota Calonje, social impact manager at IMG Group, echoed the importance of this initiative. “Bamagreen embodies our mission through adaPETation®—transforming environmental challenges into opportunities to empower people and rebuild communities. This is only the beginning. We aim to scale this model to other regions where plastic is part of both the problem and the solution,” she said.

The partnership marks a significant step toward sustainable development in Mali, focusing on both environmental restoration and long-term community empowerment.

Indorama Ventures is a global chemical manufacturer known for producing and distributing a diverse portfolio of products, including petrochemicals, polymers and fibers. The company specializes in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and polyester materials, offering a range of grades and applications, including recycled options. Indorama Ventures also manufactures and markets polyolefin fibers, which are used in nonwoven and textile applications.