Partnership Between Ascencia and WeCycle: Transforming Waste into Resources in Mauritius
Transforming cardboard into egg trays or kraft paper is now a reality in Mauritius! Thanks to collection bins installed at Bagatelle Mall, visitors can actively contribute to a local recycling initiative. This innovative project, a partnership between Ascencia and WeCycle, encourages waste sorting and raises awareness about the circular economy. Additionally, a cardboard compacting unit is under development at Bagatelle Mall. This unit will centralise cardboard collected from all seven Ascencia shopping malls, preparing it for 100% local recycling.
Partnership between Ascencia and WeCycle
This partnership aligns with Ascencia’s commitment to sustainability and strengthens the ongoing initiatives in its shopping malls. The cardboard compacting unit, which will soon be operational at Bagatelle Mall, will play a key role in optimising waste management across the seven malls. Managed by WeCycle, this facility will centralise, streamline, and accelerate the local recycling process.
Through this initiative, Ascencia and WeCycle reaffirm their shared dedication to building a more sustainable future by promoting efficient and responsible resource management to benefit the environment and the local economy.
A joint commitment to sustainability in Mauritius
“We are thrilled to partner with WeCycle, which is not only a collector but also the only local recycler in Mauritius. This collaboration, along with our initiatives such as solar energy and energy efficiency, helps us reduce our carbon footprint. Currently, 14% of our energy comes from solar sources, and we aim to reach 25% by 2025. Similarly, we already recycle 45% of the waste generated in our malls, with a target of 50% in the coming years,” said Antish Seegobin, Operational Excellence Manager at Ascencia.
CTA: Learn more about Ascencia’s Sustainable Efforts
WeCycle: A Leader in the Circular Economy
For the past two years, WeCycle has been transforming waste into valuable resources. Its recycling unit in Coromandel processes over 500 tons of cardboard and paper annually, producing more than 8 million egg trays and cartons, the equivalent of 75 million A4 sheets recycled locally.
In addition, WeCycle operates the first industrial kraft recycling unit in the Indian Ocean, with a processing capacity of 17,000 tons per year. Facilities in Coromandel and Jin Fei ensure local processing of collected cardboard, reducing the burden on Mare-Chicose landfill and decreasing the need for imported raw materials.
“Launching this initiative at the end of the year is ideal for promoting responsible consumption. Sorting and recycling locally is key to preserving our resources. Dropping cardboard in the collection bins gives it a second life. These bins will remain permanently available at the mall to encourage daily environmentally friendly habits. With the upcoming cardboard compacting unit at Bagatelle Mall, we are strengthening our commitment to sustainable waste management. We thank Ascencia for their support, which makes these sustainable initiatives possible,” added Lucile Jackson Wong, Manager at WeCycle.
About Ascencia
Founded in 2008, Ascencia is a pioneer in Mauritius's commercial real estate sector. With seven shopping centers across the island, it has been driving the retail industry for over 15 years. Bagatelle Mall, the largest in its portfolio with over 63,000 m² of rentable space, is among its strategic acquisitions. Listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius and part of the SEM Sustainability Index, Ascencia offers attractive investment opportunities in one of Africa’s most flourishing economies.
FAQ about this recycling initiative
What is the purpose of the partnership between Ascencia and WeCycle?
The partnership aims to promote sustainability by recycling cardboard waste into egg trays and kraft paper locally. It also raises awareness about waste sorting and circular economy practices.
Where are the collection bins located?
The collection bins are installed at Bagatelle Mall, making it convenient for visitors to contribute to the recycling initiative.
What is the cardboard compacting unit at Bagatelle Mall?
The compacting unit will centralise cardboard collected from all seven Ascencia shopping malls, preparing it for local recycling by WeCycle.
What does WeCycle produce from recycled materials?
WeCycle processes over 500 tons of cardboard annually, producing egg trays, cartons, and kraft paper. It operates the only kraft recycling unit in the Indian Ocean.
How does Ascencia support sustainability beyond recycling?
In addition to partnering with WeCycle, Ascencia generates 14% of its energy from solar sources, with a goal of 25% by 2025, and recycles 45% of waste generated in its malls.
Why is local recycling important for Mauritius?
Local recycling reduces waste sent to the Mare-Chicose landfill, decreases reliance on imported raw materials, and supports sustainable resource management.