PRF Founder & WRFL Director & CEO, Mr. Amitesh Deo and IUCN Oceania Regional Director, Mr. Mason Smith [Photo: Supplied[]

Pacific Recycling Foundation and Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited is engaging in research with their partners to find solutions on sustainable recycling and upcycling projects for Fiji and the region.

They will also look at the collection of recyclables from remote and maritime areas.

Foundation Founder, Amitesh Deo says they’re working with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Centre for Appropriate Technology & Development, a beverage company and consultants to research into glass crushing and using end products.

Deo says they are also upcycling plastics into building blocks and other products.

He adds in partnership with the IUCN, they are carrying out a feasibility study on the ‘Hub and Spoke’ approach.

The idea is to develop a system through which recyclables will be transported from remote and maritime areas to a central point, and then sent to upcycling facilities.

Deo says the success of these projects is vital, as in the long run, recycled products or materials can be used for housing and other kinds of projects

He adds they are also exploring options of involving Collection Pillars of Recycling, formally known as informal waste pickers and mostly women in the implementation of upcycling projects.