Did you know that every minute, 40 tons of plastic waste are dumped into our oceans? A staggering rate that threatens marine life and coastal communities. This alarming rate underscores why initiatives like Plastic Odyssey’s mission are more critical than ever. This pioneering maritime expedition set sail from France in 2022 on a three-year journey with the mission to reduce plastic waste before it reaches the oceans by promoting local, low-tech, and affordable recycling solutions that can be replicated worldwide, especially in developing countries. Since its departure, Plastic Odyssey has visited over 25 countries across three continents.
From April to July 2025, Plastic Odyssey will navigate the Indian Ocean in the ‘Expédition Plastique Océan Indien’ (ExPLOI), led by the Indian Ocean Commission (COI) with support from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM). A key milestone will be the vessel’s stopover in Mauritius, docking in Port Louis from 14th to 26th April 2025.
A Strategic Collaboration with Rogers Group
Rogers Group is a key partner of this meaningful stopover in Mauritius, alongside local collaborators such as MCB, Le Caudan Waterfront, PIM Recycling, and Mautopia.
Reinforcing its commitment to environmental impact, the Group plays a central role in enabling high-impact, innovative initiatives that support a more sustainable Mauritius. As part of this project, several subsidiaries are actively contributing to the success of the Plastic Odyssey mission:
• Rogers Shipping has managed all port and customs procedures to facilitate the arrival and stay of the Plastic Odyssey vessel in Caudan, Port Louis.
• With Rogers Hospitality’s Now for Tomorrow programme, a sustainability framework launched in 2021 and built on five key pillars to drive long-term transformation, we are co-funding Mauritius’ first-ever micro-factory, designed to serve as a regional hub for pre-treating plastic waste.
Ollivier Mineur, Waste Management Supervisor at Heritage Resorts in Bel Ombre, will attend a three-day Onboard Laboratory training during Plastic Odyssey’s visit. The workshops will cover global plastic recycling projects, prototype new recycling initiatives tailored for Mauritius, and demonstrate practical techniques. This training is designed to equip Ollivier with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure the successful integration and long-term operation of the micro-factory.
• Velogic has provided and transformed the container that houses the micro-factory and is responsible for transporting this pioneering facility across the island for an awareness-raising roadshow before its installation in Bel Ombre.
Engaging the Mauritian Community
Plastic Odyssey’s visit to Mauritius will feature a dynamic two-week program designed to raise awareness among young people and the general public about the impacts of plastic pollution, conduct scientific analyses of microplastics on Mauritian beaches, and co-create local solutions in collaboration with partners, NGOs, and institutions. To support these objectives, the team will implement a series of concrete actions, including:
• Conferences,
• Film screenings at Veranda Tamarin hotels and other venues,
• Training sessions, and
• Microplastic sampling and analysis in Tamarin.
These initiatives enabled the sharing of practical solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste at its source, contributing to a long-term strategy against environmental degradation.
Aligned with Rogers Group’s Sustainability Commitment
Aligned with Rogers Group’s S&ID framework, this initiative advances marine conservation, reduces pollution, and elevates community awareness on sustainable practices, collectively supporting the biodiversity and circular economy pillars. Mauritius generates approximately 75,000 tons of plastic waste annually, yet only 4% is recycled. By transforming plastic waste into valuable resources, the micro-factory in Bel Ombre represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future, protecting our marine ecosystems and encouraging responsible resource management across the island.
