green plastic factory iraq
plastic recycling as a pathway to stability and sustainability
In Northern Iraq, the challenges are immense: refugee camps, waste accumulation, limited employment opportunities – especially for displaced people and vulnerable communities. But where challenges exist, so do opportunities. What if plastic waste could become a resource for rebuilding lives and infrastructure? That’s exactly the mission of the green plastic factory iraq.
from concept to Kurdistan
The green plastic factory is a circular recycling concept developed by save plastics during the European Transform_CE project, in collaboration with the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the UK. After successful implementations in Almere, Arnhem and India, the concept is now being brought to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, near Duhok.
In early 2025, an assessment was conducted in the region by save plastics, commissioned by VNG International. Over the course of one week, meetings were held with local government officials, refugee camps, waste management companies and potential customers. Supported by VNGi’s local team and Dutch-Iraqi project leadership, more than 18 appointments were arranged – and the project even made national news in Iraq.
tailored machines for local waste and needs
The heart of the concept is a custom-built set of recycling machines, designed to process hard-to-recycle plastics into useful products. These products are tailored to local needs – for example, items for housing, infrastructure, or community spaces. The aim is to keep the entire process local: local waste, local production, local impact.
social development through plastic
Beyond recycling, this is a project rooted in social empowerment. Together with Stichting Save Living and the local VNGi team, the project includes an education program, awareness campaigns, skills training and the development of a sustainable business model for refugees, local residents and authorities. Over the course of three years, the factory will become a hub of education, employment and environmental improvement.
next steps
The next phase is already underway: building the custom machinery and moulds. Iraqi operators will soon travel to Arnhem, the Netherlands, for hands-on training by the save plastics team. Once trained, they will return to Iraq to launch the factory and start producing – turning waste into opportunity.
to be continued…