The Story of
Smile Again & Seneplast

Their shared dream is to expand this model throughout the whole of West Africa, converting the waste issue into a source of opportunity, impacting lives and the future. 

Han Stiphout, with decades of experience in recycling, was called upon to share his knowledge in countries lacking waste management, including Indonesia, Guinea, Gambia, and Senegal. 

He worked under the name of his former holding, 'Smile', but later changed its name to 'Smile Again', because we need to reverse the devastating impact of plastic pollution and use it for good - to Smile Again!

It was in Senegal where his path merged with Marie-Louise, a passionate visionary determined to clear her land
from plastic waste.

Together, they established recycling factory 'Seneplast', the first plant of many more to come, dedicated to transform plastic waste into opportunities.

Marie-Louise manages the operations and Han advises and ensures that the recycled plastic enters the circular economy.

The ultimate goal? To have recycling knowledge so widely spread that West Africa no longer needs our help.

The first factory established by Smile Again is Seneplast, located in Thiès, Senegal.

It embodies a 'cash for waste' model, predominantly offering opportunities to women, ensuring they receive fair wages and work in good conditions. Smile Again provided the essential machinery and advanced recycling expertise, and assisted in training the staff.

Today, Seneplast operates independently, Marie-Louise runs the operation. Smile Again supports with technical assistance and the sales of recycled plastic in Europe.

The success of Seneplast plant serves as a blueprint for scaling this initiative throughout Senegal and, eventually,  all of West Africa.

OUR FIRST RECYCLING PLANT