Chako Zanzibar

As a former HZ lecturer and initiator of Chako Zanzibar, she is building a circular system in which plastic and glass waste is transformed into high-quality, design-oriented products.

Chako Zanzibar emerged from a simple yet powerful vision: materials often considered worthless can in fact form the basis for economic, social, and ecological value. Instead of treating waste as a final destination, it is used as a resource for new opportunities. In doing so, the initiative connects circularity with entrepreneurship and social inclusion.

Strong social fabric

What distinguishes Chako Zanzibar is its integrated approach. In collaboration with the tourism sector, waste is collected directly at the source. This prevents pollution and makes it possible to immediately reintroduce materials into a circular process. These raw materials are then locally processed into new products, ranging from everyday items to design objects.

In addition, there is a strong focus on social impact. Especially women and young people are given the opportunity through the initiative to receive training, develop new skills, and build an independent income. This not only creates a cleaner environment, but also a stronger social fabric in which people can actively participate in the economy.

Scalable model

The results are concrete and impressive. More than 15,000 kilos of plastic have already been upcycled, and millions of kilos of glass have been collected and reused. Hundreds of artisans have been trained, and tens of thousands of people have become more aware of waste issues and circularity. These figures show that the model not only works, but is also scalable.

The nomination as Changemaker underlines the impact of her work. Where others see waste, Anneloes sees opportunity. And it is precisely in that different way of looking that sustainable change emerges, extending far beyond Zanzibar alone.