African Recycling Innovation Goes Global

Durban, February 6, 2025: Ocean Plastic Technologies (OPT), the South African pioneer in sustainable micro recycling solutions, recently achieved a significant milestone with the supply of its innovative recycling technology to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). The first shipment of recycling equipment arrived in the territory at the end of January, marking OPT’s expansion into the Caribbean market.

The Ocean Plastic Technologies’ recycling equipment is securely strapped inside the container, ensuring a safe journey. Photographer: Thomas Hansen

“Our largest international project to date, the USVI order for nine micro recycling plants represents a major milestone in bringing our African-engineered recycling solutions to global communities,” says OPT Founder and CEO, Oliver Nudds. “We’re providing a complete infrastructure solution that will enable the USVI to process multiple plastic waste streams locally, creating social, environmental and economic benefits for the region.”

The technology deployment will establish a recycling infrastructure across the USVI.

“The focus is to create recycling of plastics #1 PET, #2 HDPE and #5 PP,” Nudds explains. “The beauty of our system is its scalability – as the programme grows, we will support the USVI in expanding the types of materials processed, boosting the islands’ sustainability.”

USVI Partnership Network

OPT USA, a subsidiary of OPT South Africa, has established a collaboration between key local and international partners including The University of the Virgin Islands, The Virgin Island Waste Management Authority as well as local Senators and leaders. The project is being championed by The Opi’a Taino NPO and the local community.

Environmental and Economic Impact

OPT brings substantial expertise to the project, having successfully deployed its Micro Recycling Pods across Southern Africa since 2016. The company’s technology and expertise will help the USVI community expand recycling capabilities, create meaningful employment opportunities and establish a new industry of recycling and recycled plastic product manufacturing.

“What sets our technology apart is its ability to generate sustainable revenue streams for both the operators and collectors through a condensed value chain and superior logistics efficiencies,” Nudds notes. “Over the past eight years, this model has been developed, tested and refined in South Africa where our recycling plants have processed thousands of tons of post-consumer plastic and created hundreds of jobs.”

Global Footprint

The shipment to the USVI adds this territory to the growing number of countries that are deploying and enjoying the social, economic and environmental impact OPT’s technology.

“This is just the beginning,” Nudds concludes. “Our technology is designed to be adaptable and scalable, making it ideal for communities looking to establish or expand their recycling capabilities. We’re excited to demonstrate how our African innovation can help solve waste management challenges across the Caribbean and beyond.”

For more information about OPT’s recycling solutions and implementations worldwide, visit opt.earth.