Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, a private island in the Shaviyani atoll, has opened a Sustainability Lab, said to be the first of its kind in the archipelago. 

The Sustainability Lab will turn plastic waste into bespoke souvenirs and other products, helping the resort achieve its goal of becoming the first zero-waste-generating resort in the Maldives. The Lab will also educate guests on sustainable practices.
 
Specialised machinery in the Sustainability Lab will transform and repurpose plastic waste into bespoke souvenirs, including luggage tags in the shape of turtles. 

Plastic materials collected from the beach, reef and ocean are separated alongside glass and aluminium before a series of machines are used to shred, melt, shape and press it into various products.
 
Fairmont said: “Community upliftment is part of Fairmont’s DNA, and the Sustainability Lab will eventually become a recycling centre in the atoll and beyond, creating a culture of sustainability and accountability in local communities. 

“Surrounding islands will be encouraged to collect, sort, and recycle their plastic waste by sending it to Fairmont Maldives rather than leaving it to landfill or to be disposed of in the ocean. 

“Schools will be vested to teach classes on recycling, marine biodiversity, and ocean conservation, as well as visiting the resort to see the Sustainability Lab and the conservation projects being undertaken on the island; encouraging the next generation of eco-conscious travellers to care passionately about protecting their natural eco-system.”