By Rozanne Henzen, Sasin Research Center Picture this: I’m indulging in some luscious coconut yoghurt topped with a crunchy, sustainable twist—granola crafted from brewer’s spent grain. (Did you know this grain account for a whopping 85% of food waste generated by breweries?) As I step out of my house walled with eco-friendly hempcrete—a fusion of hemp hurd, hydraulic lime, and water—I ponder my next grocery run. Top of my list? Refilling my laundry detergent at a nearby vending machine for household cleaning products. The real game-changer is their reusable steel bottles. But wait—a thought crosses my mind. We’ve now entered an era where even colored plastic bottles can be completely recycled in a revolutionary closed-loop process, as an answer to the loss of over 590 million in potential revenue due to color impurities present in recycled products. Does this sound like a distant vision? Think again, because the four pioneering startups which competed in the Sustainability Round of the SCG Bangkok Business Challenge 2023 proved that these innovations are well within reach. These startups are redefining their respective industries and paving the way for a greener future. Let’s dive into their groundbreaking initiatives. the moonbeam co.: Circular Food Tech Solutions The moonbeam co., hailing from the National University of Singapore, is driving circular food tech solutions. They connect food loss with market demand, effectively reducing waste while enhancing food security. With their emphasis on repurposing spent grain—the primary culprit behind the brewery industry’s food waste—moonbeam aims to tackle the alarming statistic showing food waste at 40% of global food supply. GreeneAcres Processing: Pioneering Hemp Innovation Cornell University introduces GreeneAcres Processing, the first industrial hemp processor in the Northeast United States. Their mission? To provide sustainable access to locally processed hemp for a wide range of products, including paper, building materials, feminine hygiene products, clothing, and more. GreeneAcres Processing is spearheading the region’s hemp revolution, offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional materials. Team Washwagon: Rethinking Household Cleaning Rounding out the quartet seeking sustainability recognition is Team Washwagon, creators of a direct-to-consumer business model rethinking household cleaning by offering common liquid cleaning products in reusable bottles through vending machines. Team Washwagon’s vision aligns with the urgent need to reduce single-use plastic waste while offering sustainable cleaning solutions for conscientious consumers. Reborn+: Revolutionizing Plastic Recycling A standout contender and ultimately winner of this Sustainability Round (and also the overall runner-up of the SCG Bangkok Business Challenge 2023) is Reborn+, a pioneer from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Their groundbreaking solution revolutionizes the recycling industry by addressing the long-standing issue of color impurities in recycled plastic products. Their closed-loop process eliminates color impurities, unlocking new revenue potential for the commodity plastic recycling industry. With a 30-50% price advantage for clear plastic over colored, Reborn+ is set to reshape the market. During the SCG Bangkok Business Challenge 2023, the essence of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation for a greener future came to life. As the competition drew to a close, it marked the beginning of an exciting journey for these adventuresome innovators. Thanks to their passion and dedication, these startups are poised to make a lasting impact and to help shape a better, more sustainable future.