Community Education
Transforming Plastic Waste into Purpose: Kleanit Upcyclers and UNDP Support 25 Schools in Nepal
In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Kleanit Upcyclers produced and donated 150 pieces of school furniture—crafted entirely from non-monetary-value Multi-Layered Plastics (MLPs)—to 25 schools across Sarlahi and Rautahat districts. By diverting 6,760 kg of hard-to-recycle plastics from landfills, the project created durable, functional furniture that improves learning environments while showcasing the power of circular design in community development.
Duration
September 20, 2024
Partner
UNDP (United Nations Development Program)
Location
Sarlahi and Rautahat, Nepal
Beneficiaries
Schools of rural Sarlahi and Rautahat
Project Objectives
- Repurpose over 6,700 kg of non-monetary-value plastics into essential school infrastructure.
- Improve classroom environments for 26 schools through durable and sustainable furniture.
- Demonstrate the large-scale application of MLP upcycling for social impact.
- Strengthen partnerships between sustainability initiatives and grassroots education.
Key Outcomes
- Production and delivery of 150 furniture items (50 stools, 50 benches, 25 tables, 25 bookshelves).
- 6,760 kg of plastic waste successfully diverted from landfills.
- Improved classroom infrastructure for hundreds of students across two districts.
- Established a scalable model for combining environmental sustainability with educational support.
Challenges Faced
- Processing large quantities of MLPs, a material typically deemed unrecyclable.
- Designing furniture that meets the durability, safety, and usability needs of schools.
- Managing logistics of producing and distributing 150 furniture pieces across rural districts.
- Addressing community perceptions of recycled plastic products as inferior or temporary.
Solutions Implemented
- Applied innovative upcycling techniques to convert MLPs into safe, strong, and long-lasting furniture.
- Designed varied furniture types (stools, benches, tables, bookshelves) to address school needs.
- Partnered with UNDP to ensure wide distribution and impactful implementation.
- Positioned the project as a dual solution for education development and plastic waste reduction.
Project Gallery
1 / 4
Project Impact
2000+
kg Plastic Recycled
20+
Benches Created
50,000+
People Benefited
6
Months Duration