As plastic pollution continues to pose a major environmental challenge, Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) is turning this problem into an innovative solution. Since 2019, the company has been running a large-scale plastic waste recovery project across its three operational sites in Lokutu (Tshopo Province), Yaligimba (Mongala Province), and Boteka (Équateur Province). The waste comes from various sources, including plantations, factories, administrative offices, workshops, and workers’ camps.
Instead of allowing plastic waste to accumulate and harm the environment, PHC—through its Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Department—collects, aggregates, and transforms it. Through a smart process, the plastic waste is carefully shredded, mixed with sand in precise proportions, then compressed and molded using machines designed and built directly on site. This innovative method has enabled the production of strong, durable, and immediately usable paving blocks.
Visible Results on the Ground
The paving blocks are already being used across PHC’s sites. In Lokutu, they have been installed along the pathway connecting the guesthouses and to improve several other areas. In Yaligimba, they now cover the administrative courtyard. Beyond their aesthetic contribution, these paving blocks also provide a practical solution—especially during the rainy season, when pathways often become muddy.
From Waste to Resource
The ambition of this project goes far beyond practical use. Above all, it reflects a strong environmental and social commitment. By giving plastic a second life, PHC reduces its ecological footprint while creating local value. What is often seen as useless or harmful waste is transformed into a valuable construction material that helps improve local infrastructure.
“Through this project, we demonstrate that plastic—often perceived as useless or harmful waste—can actually become a valuable resource. By transforming it into paving blocks, we address two essential needs: reducing pollution and improving local infrastructure. It is a powerful example of environmental responsibility applied in everyday operations,” explains Tonesse Eguba, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Director at PHC.
A Sustainable Commitment
By turning waste into useful materials, PHC is taking concrete action to reduce its environmental footprint while promoting a sustainable development model that combines innovation, ecosystem protection, and improved well-being for local communities.
