Since its inception in April 2024, Bonamy has been a proud supporter of Ele-Collection, firmly believing in their purpose and ambitious idea to rethink how plastic waste is managed across southern Africa.

What started as a pilot project has grown into a tangible, on-the-ground solution, thanks in part to you, our travellers. When you travel with Bonamy, your journey extends far beyond the places you visit, through a commitment of $20 per guest, plus 5% of our annual profits, every trip helps protect Africa’s wildlife, restore fragile ecosystems, and create meaningful economic opportunities for local communities.

You can read more about Ele-Collection’s ‘Why’ here: Tackling the problem of plastic in Southern Africa. 

A Smarter Solution to Plastic Waste

Ele-Collection is pioneering a closed-loop recycling system that tackles all types of plastic waste, including contaminated plastics that are often disregarded for recycling, instead being burned, causing further widespread damage. In the 18-months since the first plastic bottle was collected, the Ele-Collection unit now houses a 15-tonne electric baler meaning recycling capacity has reached upward of an astonishing 1 tonne of plastic per day.

The collected plastic is transformed into recyclable plastic pellets and building aggregate. These materials are then used in sustainable construction, ensuring waste is reintroduced into the economy rather than polluting land and waterways.

Numbers Matter

In partnership with you, Bonamy has now contributed 24.6% of Ele-Collection’s monthly plastic collections, a figure we are immensely proud of.

Bonamy’s 2025 Impact at a glance:

• 7.02 tons of plastic collected; equivalent to:

  • 582,660 plastic bottles or

  • 933,660 plastic bags

• 20.3 tons of CO₂ emissions mitigated by preventing plastic from being burned

• Climate impact is equivalent to the carbon sequestration of 244 trees

This means cleaner landscapes, healthier ecosystems, and safer habitats for Africa’s wildlife.

Creating Opportunity

The impact goes far beyond environmental restoration. Ele-Collection now employs 41 local women as plastic collectors across Victoria Falls, Livingstone, and Hwange National Park, providing stable incomes and long-term opportunities.

Each woman earns approximately $170 per month, supporting families while actively contributing to environmental protection. Local residents can also collect and sell their plastic to Ele-Collection, turning waste into a reliable source of income, incentive and strengthening community resilience.

Protecting Wildlife

Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to Africa’s wildlife, including elephants, many of whom have tragically ingested plastic waste. By removing plastic before it enters natural environments, Ele-Collection is helping to reduce these dangers and restore ecosystems that both wildlife and communities depend on.

The future looks plastic free

In its short existence, there is no denying the positive impact that Ele-Collection has already had. There are big plans for the future; to scale operations, collect more waste, create more jobs and protect even larger ecosystems.

By travelling with Bonamy, you are not just exploring Africa, you are actively helping to shape a more sustainable future.

Thank you for being part of this journey.