Pioneering a circular, sustainable Maldives.
From the nation's first plastic recycling facility to biodegradable packaging and skills programmes for women, CLEAN Maldives turns bold ideas into tangible environmental progress.
Our innovations
Breakthroughs reshaping how the Maldives handles waste.
Each initiative is designed for lasting, replicable impact across islands and industries.
Climate Certificate for Women in Sustainable Food Systems
Trained 17 women entrepreneurs in climate-resilient food practices, equipping them with skills to build sustainable livelihoods. Delivered in partnership with WISE, Australian Aid and Climate Collective Foundation.
The Maldives' First Plastic Recycling Facility
The Plastic Innovation Challenge brought together the hospitality and foodservice sector to pilot a fully-funded recycling facility at Siyam World Maldives, using a solution by Econscious. Plastic shredders, high-speed mixers and extrusion machines transform waste into lumber and value-added products such as benches. Supported by UNOPS; funded by the World Bank; implemented by SACEP under the PLEASE Project; knowledge partner Climate Collective Foundation; in partnership with Kudafaree Council.
Hodu Kothalhu — Biodegradable Paper Bag
A locally introduced biodegradable paper bag designed to replace single-use plastic bags. Plastic accounts for roughly 80% of marine pollution, with 8–10 million metric tonnes entering the ocean every year. Hodu Kothalhu offers island retailers and consumers a practical, planet-friendly alternative.
Knowledge Portal
A dedicated knowledge-sharing platform launched to disseminate best practices for reducing single-use plastics across the Maldives. The portal connects communities, councils and businesses with evidence-based guidance and case studies from the field.
Waste-to-Craft Workshops
In partnership with Feyraan Craft House, CLEAN Maldives runs hands-on workshops that transform plastic waste into valuable crafts. By pairing environmental action with income-generating skills, the programme promotes circular economy principles at the community level.