GAFREH Plastic Bag Recycling CentreProducing eco-friendly items from recycled plastic bags



Founded in 2003 by GAFREH, an association of women artisans, the recycling centre makes eco-friendly fashion goods and decorative handicraft products out of used plastic bags. The initiative provides an innovative solution to pollution caused by plastic waste in Burkina Faso, whilst encouraging women to become commercially autonomous. The women collect plastic bags from the streets then transform them using various craft techniques (weaving, knitting, melting, casting) at the recycling centre. The centre currently creates jobs for more than 85 women. It offers technical support in designing and developing products and suggests financing opportunities for these self-employed women. The products are sold through fair trade distribution channels on domestic and international markets, in boutiques and at events such as fairs.
Partners
GAFREH – Groupe d’Action des Femmes pour la Relance Economique du Houet is the majority partner and leads the management of the initiative.
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides technical and financial support.
The Ministry of Environment of Burkina Faso (Ministère de l’Environnement et du Cadre de Vie) provides technical and financial support
The Ministry of Women’s Affairs (Ministère de la Promotion de la Femme) provides technical and financial support.