Siyam World unveils Maldives’ first large-scale Plastic Upcycling Centre

In a significant milestone for sustainable hospitality in the Maldives, Siyam World Maldives has launched the country’s first dedicated Plastic Upcycling Centre in partnership with the local environmental NGO CLEAN Maldives. This pioneering initiative marks a major advancement in sustainable resort practices and is already prompting wider dialogue across the nation regarding responsible waste management and community-driven environmental action.

The upcycling centre is designed to transform discarded plastic items—such as oil containers, cleaning product drums, and shampoo bottles—into functional products including sunbeds, planters, and outdoor seating. While small-scale efforts have previously existed, including one in Malé and a few limited facilities elsewhere, this centre is the first in the Maldives to operate at such a scale, offering a fully circular process integrated within a resort environment.

The facility also accepts plastic waste from the nearby inhabited island of Kudafari, underlining Siyam World’s commitment to supporting surrounding communities. Operating on a shared value model, 60% of the upcycled products remain at the resort, while 40% are distributed by CLEAN Maldives. Both partners have pledged to donate selected items for use in public spaces such as island parks, beaches, and communal areas.

Currently, the centre processes approximately 800 kilograms of hard plastics each month, contributing over 10,000 kilograms annually to the circular economy. It has also generated three new local employment opportunities, further enhancing Siyam World’s positive community impact. Moreover, the facility will play an educational role, with guided tours for guests and school groups planned as part of the resort’s environmental outreach. These tours aim to raise awareness of plastic reduction, recycling, and upcycling, showcasing real-world solutions in action.

The centre was officially inaugurated at a ceremony attended by Abdulla Thamheed, Vice President of Sun Siyam Resorts, and Hafsath Aleem, President and Founder of CLEAN Maldives. It was developed under the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project, a World Bank-funded initiative implemented by SACEP with support from UNOPS.

The launch event garnered support from representatives of UNOPS, the World Bank, local councils, and resort staff, demonstrating how public-private partnerships can effectively address environmental challenges in island nations.

The impact is already extending beyond Siyam World, with several other resorts expressing interest in adopting similar models or forming their own partnerships with local NGOs. This signals a broader movement towards community-centred, environmentally conscious tourism across the Maldives.

The initiative directly supports several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely:

• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Although the project operates independently of the group’s Sun Siyam Cares sustainability framework, it reflects the same core values: investment in long-term solutions, empowerment of local communities, and a commitment to practical innovation with real-world impact.

As Siyam World and CLEAN Maldives look ahead, the upcycling centre stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through creativity, collaboration, and environmental purpose—proving that waste need not mark the end of a product’s life, but rather the beginning of something meaningful.

Through guest tours and school visits, Siyam World seeks to foster awareness and inspire action, offering a tangible encounter with the circular economy in practice.