One Love Salone Foundation Supports Freetown Innovation Lab with Plastic Recycling Machines
Alex Fefegula Harding One Love Salone Foundation has strengthened Freetown Innovation Lab’s (FIL) waste recycling efforts through the donation of a plastic shredding machine and a plastic heat press machine to support environmental sustainability and improve waste management in Sierra Leone.
The donation is expected to enhance FIL’s capacity to transform plastic waste, including discarded sachet water bags, bottles and other plastic materials, into useful products, reducing pollution and creating economic opportunities.
The shredding machine will reduce collected plastic waste into smaller pieces for processing, while the heat press machine will enable the transformation of suitable processed materials into reusable products through controlled heating and pressing techniques.
The resulting recycled plastic sheets can be cut, drilled, and assembled into products such as stools, tables, shelving and decorative items. The materials also have potential applications in institutional settings, particularly schools, where durable and water-resistant furniture is needed.
Beyond environmental protection, the equipment is expected to strengthen practical training and technical skills development for young people, women and underserved communities. FIL’s programmes focus on plastic waste processing, recycling techniques, product development and entrepreneurship within the circular economy.
The initiative also creates opportunities for young people to acquire practical green skills, explore sustainable business ventures and contribute to employment creation and community development.
Freetown Innovation Lab has acknowledged One Love Salone Foundation’s contribution, describing the support as an important partnership in promoting environmental protection, local innovation and economic empowerment.
The organisation remains committed to transforming waste into value through recycling, innovation, green skills development and sustainable enterprise creation.
Meanwhile, FIL has called on government institutions, development partners, businesses, civil society organisations and local communities to support practical environmental solutions and invest in recycling initiatives to strengthen Sierra Leone’s green economy.
The organisation believes that collective action, responsible consumption, community participation and investment in local recycling industries are essential to building a cleaner and more sustainable Sierra Leone.