Turning the tide: ER Group and partners give ocean plastic new purpose
Turning the tide: ER Group, Plastic Odyssey and local partners give ocean plastic a new purpose
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 upstream by promoting accessible, low-tech recycling solutions that can be replicated worldwide. From April to July 2025, the vessel is sailing across the Indian Ocean as part of the Expédition Plastique Océan Indien (ExPLOI), led by the Indian Ocean Commission, with support from the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM).
The stopover in Mauritius became a platform for collaboration, with ER Group and its subsidiaries actively contributing to a shared goal: transforming ocean-bound plastic into local opportunity.
ER Group in action: segments working together
ER Group’s subsidiaries were mobilised to support the mission, across Logistics, Commerce & Manufacturing, and Hospitality & Travel.
- ER Shipping (formerly Rogers Shipping), part of the Logistics segment, managed port and customs procedures for the vessel’s arrival at Caudan, Port Louis.
- Velogic, part of the Logistics segment, designed and equipped the container that now houses Mauritius’ first mobile micro-factory. This unit serves as a travelling hub to pre-treat plastic waste and build awareness ahead of its installation in Bel Ombre.
- ER Hospitality (ex-Rogers Hospitality), through its Now for Tomorrow programme, co-funded the micro-factory, reinforcing its long-term approach to sustainability.
- Heritage Resorts strengthened its local know-how through direct training. Ollivier Mineur, Waste Management Supervisor in Bel Ombre, joined a three-day onboard session led by Plastic Odyssey’s team. Focused on hands-on recycling methods and adaptable solutions, the experience will help ensure the micro-factory operates effectively in its new setting.
- Plastinax Eyewear, with nearly 50 years of experience in crafting sustainable eyewear, partnered with Plastic Odyssey to develop a high-quality prototype made from recycled plastic, including repurposed fishing nets sourced from India. This collaboration stemmed from a pilot project launched in March 2025 in Chennai by Plastic Odyssey and the India Vision Institute, a non-profit working to expand access to vision care. Their shared goal: to create affordable glasses for underserved communities. During its stopover in Mauritius as part of its Indian Ocean expedition, the Plastic Odyssey crew visited the Plastinax factory to have a first-hand look at the prototype and the promising potential of this reclaimed material. This sharing of expertise not only contributes to marine conservation efforts but also fosters circular innovation and greater access to sustainable eyewear.
Engaging the Mauritian community
Plastic Odyssey’s visit to Mauritius featured 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 implemented a series of concrete actions, including:
- Conferences,
- Film screenings at Veranda Tamarin hotels and other venues, and
- Training sessions
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 ER Group’s sustainability commitment
Aligned with ER Group’s Sustainability & Inclusive Development (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.
