How to Transform Waste Into Resources

Imagine a world where our old clothes help build our homes. That's the vision of one pioneering company that's transforming discarded textiles into viable building materials. Here’s a look at their innovative process and its profound implications for sustainability in construction. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬: >> Shredding: The journey begins by breaking down old clothes into small pieces, ensuring every fiber is utilized. >> Mixing: These pieces are then combined with a specially developed binder that ensures durability and strength for building purposes. >> Molding: Finally, the mixture is pressed into molds, forming tiles or bricks ready for construction use. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: >> Eco-Friendly Impact: This method drastically cuts down textile waste, channeling tons of fabric away from landfills, reducing both the fashion and construction sectors' environmental impacts. >> Improved Building Efficiency: Structures built with these materials benefit from insulation, which translates to energy savings and a smaller carbon footprint. >> Aesthetic Innovation: Beyond their practicality, these materials offer a unique aesthetic appeal, adding a contemporary flair to buildings. This approach is about integrating the principles of a circular economy into construction. By reimagining waste as a resource, this company is not only addressing environmental issues but also pioneering new possibilities for building materials. 🌿 Such innovations highlight the potential for industries to adopt circular economic models, enhancing sustainability across sectors. 💬 What other waste materials could be transformed into valuable resources? How can different industries leverage similar innovations to contribute to a more sustainable future? #innovation #technology #future #management #startups

🌱 Revolutionizing Agriculture: From Waste to Innovation 🌱 Imagine applying a small electrical current to organic waste and transforming it into a precision fertilizer that targets exactly what your soil and crops need. This isn't science fiction—it's the future we're building today. I'm excited to share our latest research published in Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering: "Electrochemical organic waste conversion: a route toward food security and a circular economy" - available open access (https://lnkd.in/gDPghrDt) The Challenge: * The Haber-Bosch process consumes 1-2% of global energy * By 2050, nitrogen demand will increase 50% with growing population * Currently, 80% of applied nitrogen leaches into the environment, costing $200 billion annually * 2.59 billion tons of waste are generated annually, with 60% being organic Our Solution: Through electrochemical conversion, we can transform municipal wastewater biosolids to provide at least 9% of nitrogen and 32% of phosphorus needs in the United States. We're envisioning distributed production facilities that turn local waste streams into customized fertilizers. The Chemical Engineering Transformation: This paradigm shift demands chemical engineers who combine traditional process expertise with: ✓ Agricultural chemistry and soil science knowledge ✓ Data analytics for remote facility management ✓ Waste treatment and resource recovery technologies ✓ Direct stakeholder engagement with farmers We're not just changing how we make fertilizers—we're reimagining the entire agricultural value chain. From centralized production to distributed, efficient systems that turn waste into valuable resources. The role of chemical engineers as leaders in this transformation is critical. We have the unique skill set to bridge electrochemical science and practical agricultural solutions. 📖 Read the full open access article to discover how we can feed the world while creating value from waste streams. # CASFER # NSF #CircularEconomy #ChemicalEngineering #FoodSecurity #Innovation #WasteToValue #Agriculture #Research What excites you most about this waste-to-fertilizer transformation? 👇

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to chat with Bob Alvarez on Shapiro Metals Partnering With Integrity ‘s Circular Strategies podcast . Bob and I discussed the circular economy and how we are addressing the end of life for one product as the beginning of life for many products. At the end of the day, it is system design by understanding the complexity and needs of the stakeholders. Creating a sustainable value chain uses todays undervalued assets: waste and turning waste into the building blocks of a modern future. Godot will create backup power for datacenters, water, hydrochar, hydrogen, food grade CO2, carbon credits and an array of products of existing and growing demand. Godot’s site will be inherently carbon neutral, water positive and generate significant carbon credits while localizing the production of hydrogen and food grade CO2. https://lnkd.in/gKxjSdwr About GODOT: GODOT transforms industrial and agricultural waste into high-value resources like renewable energy, carbon credits, and sustainable materials. Our on-site or near-site centers, built alongside mega-waste producers, utilize Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC)—a proven, scalable, and replicable technology. Each facility produces hydrochar, a high-efficiency solid fuel that burns cleaner than coal and integrates seamlessly into existing supply chains. Hydrochar can be converted into in-demand products such as hydrogen (H₂), food-grade CO₂, carbon ash (for EV batteries), carbon credits, and the process produces recycled water. This circular system design enables rapid scalability, mitigates environmental harm, and delivers significant economic value. Our proprietary HTC process can convert both organic food waste and non-recyclable organics, including certain plastics. By focusing on waste streams exceeding 50 tons per day, GODOT addresses the sustainability needs of mega-producers such as datacenters, large distribution companies, and energy producers. About me: As a third-generation PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. bottler turned waste-to-energy entrepreneur, I’ve spent my career addressing the externalities of my own industry. While working on sustainability initiatives with independent Pepsi bottlers and Fortune 500 companies, I repeatedly saw well-intentioned projects fail because solutions were either mismatched in scale or incompatible with corporate risk tolerance. I founded GODOT to fill this gap: creating solutions that are right-sized for global waste challenges and aligned with the practical needs of stakeholders. GODOT combines technological innovation with operational reliability to deliver impactful, scalable change.

One man's trash is another man's treasure Imagine turning agricultural scraps, forestry leftovers, and organic byproducts into climate solutions. Instead of rotting or being burned (and releasing CO₂), these byproducts could be transformed into carbon storage through biochar, BECCS, or even deep-sea burial. We’re talking about locking CO₂ away for hundreds of years, all by repurposing what’s usually discarded. CarbonX Climate's new paper, "Demystifying Biomass Carbon Dioxide Removal: A Roadmap for Sustainable Biomass Sourcing," couldn’t be more timely. It shows how we can tap into this “treasure” of waste to reduce emissions without disrupting essential uses – like soil health or bioenergy. But here’s the catch: not all waste is created equal. The key to sustainable carbon removal is using the right kinds of residues, those that don’t compete with other vital systems. The roadmap walks through how to evaluate biomass sources, avoid environmental pitfalls, and ensure each choice truly helps. 🌱 If your organization is serious about carbon removal, this guide is essential. It’s a toolkit for transforming waste into long-term climate solutions, sustainably. Sebastien Dewarrat Paolo Piffaretti Victoria Harvey 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eRMyBRzz

Breaking the Plastic Stalemate: Why Businesses Must Lead Where Governments Stumble The INC-5 negotiations in Busan, South Korea, aimed at finalizing a binding global treaty on plastic pollution, ended in frustration. Despite overwhelming support from many countries, progress stalled due to resistance from a small group prioritizing short-term gains over long-term solutions. Over 1,000 days of talks have seen 800 million tonnes of plastic produced, with 30 million tonnes leaking into oceans. Less than 10% of all plastic is recycled, leaving the majority in landfills, oceans, or incinerators, harming ecosystems and communities. WWF’s Urgent Plea for Action WWF has called for binding measures to phase out harmful plastics, enforce global product design standards, and fund solutions to plastic pollution. Yet, the path forward remains blocked by dissenting voices. Eirik Lindebjerg, WWF’s Global Plastics Policy Lead, highlights the urgency: “It is unjust that those burdened most by plastic pollution are denied solutions by those profiteering from unregulated plastic production.” While governments stall, businesses can lead by adopting solutions now. Biodegradable Future: A Practical Solution Biodegradable Future has developed organic additives that enable plastics to biodegrade into fertile biomass, water, and gases, even in landfills and oceans. Key Benefits: • Lifecycle Integration: Works with all plastics and existing manufacturing processes. • Recycling Neutral: Preserves current recycling systems. • Ecosystem Regeneration: Turns waste into resources, nurturing the environment. The Time for Leadership Is Now As Erin Simon of WWF aptly said: “The price for inaction is far greater than wasted time. It puts both planetary and human health on the line.” Businesses have the power to drive innovation, influence policy, and implement sustainable solutions. Biodegradable Future offers a way to act now, reducing plastic waste while regenerating ecosystems. Join the Movement Biodegradable Future collaborates with organizations and businesses committed to tackling plastic waste. Learn more about our solutions at Biodegradable Future. References: 1. WWF Statement on INC-5 Negotiations 2. UNEP Report on Plastic Pollution 3. Biodegradable Future: Transformative Technology Act today for a sustainable tomorrow. Use #BiodegradableFuture #PlasticPollution #CircularEconomy to join the conversation.

Women Leading Waste Solutions: Transforming Trash into Opportunity 🌍♻️ Around the world, women are stepping up turning food scraps into fertilizer, restoring soils, creating income, and inspiring change. 👩🌾 In Kibera, Nairobi, an all-female group called Shield of Faith composts food waste using vermicomposting. In just one year: 3.9 tones of organic waste recycled Kitchen gardens producing fresh vegetables Earnings shared directly with mothers in need 🟢 But compost is just the start. When combined with: BSFL (Black Soldier Fly Larvae) → Compost faster, add protein feed Biochar → Lock carbon + enhance nutrient retention A compost pile turn into a whole waste-free ecosystem. 🚀 What You Can Do Today: For women or community leaders: • Start a 5-litre compost bucket at home feed it food scraps daily. For feed suppliers or agro-vets: • Add BSFL feed or biochar soil boosters to your product line link up with women composters. For schools/NGOs: • Train local women to compost + scale to BSFL + biochar micro-units. Let’s turn waste into opportunity and thrive local businesses with women at the forefront. #WasteFree23 #WomenInWaste #Compost #BSFL #Biochar #CircularEconomy #GreenJobs #ZeroWaste #SustainableAgriculture #YouthEmpowerment #EcoInnovation #AfricaLeads

Plastic Isn’t the Enemy. Wasteful Thinking Is. Every year, millions of tons of plastic are discarded — much of it burned, releasing harmful toxins into our air and environment. But what if we shifted our mindset? What if, instead of seeing plastic as waste, we saw it as a resource waiting to be transformed? Around the world, innovators are doing just that: • In India, startups are converting plastic bags into road materials that last longer and resist water damage. • In Kenya, companies are molding waste plastic into affordable, durable bricks — stronger than concrete. • Across Europe, fashion brands are designing shoes and clothing made from recycled ocean plastics. These solutions don’t just reduce waste — they create jobs, empower communities, and build a more sustainable future. Here’s what this teaches us: • Creative thinking drives real impact. Innovation isn’t just in the lab — it’s in everyday problems we dare to solve. • Burning plastic is outdated. Repurposing it is smarter, safer, and more sustainable. • We all have a role to play. Whether as consumers, entrepreneurs, or policy-makers. Let’s support the companies and individuals turning waste into worth. Let’s educate others about smarter ways to handle plastic. And let’s commit — personally and professionally — to a future where nothing is wasted. 🔔 Follow me, Felix Khakame. Like, share, and let’s inspire more stories of courage and innovation. #CircularEconomy #SustainableInnovation #PlasticRecycling #GreenFuture #ClimateAction #WasteToResource #InnovationInAction #EcoLeadership #Upcycling 🎥 VC: Video belongs to the respective owner. DM for credit.

A Mexican company named Biofase has gained global attention for its innovative and eco-friendly approach to reducing plastic waste. Founded by chemical engineer Scott Munguia, Biofase has developed a groundbreaking technology that turns discarded avocado seeds into biodegradable plastic. This plastic is then used to manufacture everyday items such as cutlery, straws, and other single-use products. What makes Biofase's solution truly remarkable is the sustainability of its process. Mexico is one of the largest producers of avocados in the world, and avocado seeds are typically discarded as waste. By repurposing these seeds, Biofase not only reduces agricultural waste but also offers an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The resulting bioplastic products decompose completely within 240 days, even in natural environments like soil or landfills. This is in sharp contrast to traditional plastic, which can take hundreds of years to break down and often pollutes oceans and landscapes. Biofase’s products are already being exported to several countries, including the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, and Peru. With the growing global demand for sustainable materials, the company is expanding its production to meet both domestic and international needs. The success of Biofase demonstrates the potential for green innovation in developing countries and highlights how natural resources can be used responsibly. Their mission is not only to combat plastic pollution but also to create a circular economy where waste is transformed into valuable, eco-friendly products. Biofase is a perfect example of how science, sustainability, and entrepreneurship can come together to make a positive impact on the planet. #Biofase #AvocadoPlastic #EcoInnovation #SustainableCutlery #BiodegradableStraws #PlasticAlternative #GreenTechnology #ZeroWasteSolution #MexicanInnovation #SaveThePlanet

In my role, I'm fortunate to explore supply chain opportunities and find ways to improve how we collaborate with farmers and ranchers in our supply chain. Today, I want to highlight a success story from the "four walls" of JBS, showcasing how our innovative teams are working hard to enhance our environmental performance. One of our core strategies for reducing the supply chain's GHG emissions is by embracing a Circular Economy approach. We continuously seek ways to upcycle waste streams into value-add services and products. In Brazil, we've developed a full portfolio of circular economy businesses we call JBS Novos Negócios or "New Businesses." These teams specialize in transforming waste streams into profitable, sustainable solutions, including organic fertilizers, new packaging solutions, renewable energy generation, and even cosmetics and pharmaceutical products among many others. One standout success is Ambiental , a business focused on solid waste recycling. In just one year, they diverted 6,000 tons of plastic from landfills and over the last 10 years they've recycled 46,000 tons. They convert this waste into resin to manufacture a variety of products including protective packaging, pallets, furniture, roof tiles, and flooring-- reducing demand for natural materials and keeping plastic out of landfills. It's a great success story of sustainability in action. If you have a few minutes, check it out: https://lnkd.in/gKpWxEzC

At Allonnia, we don’t see waste—we see untapped potential. For too long, industries have viewed contamination, pollution, and byproducts as problems to manage rather than opportunities to innovate. But what if we reimagined waste as a resource?   - Microbes that eat toxins. Researchers have identified bacteria that can break down oil spills, plastics, heavy metals and now harmful chemicals such as 1,4 Dioxane. -Bubbles that remove forever chemicals. Studies show that nanobubble technology can effectively remove PFAS, the "forever chemicals" linked to cancer and environmental damage. - Biotech that transforms contamination into value. Scientists are using synthetic biology to engineer microbes that capture valuable metals from mining waste, helping industries recover rare earth elements while reducing environmental harm. This isn’t science fiction—it’s happening now. Allonnia is building a world where nothing goes to waste. Let’s stop accepting waste as inevitable and start seeing it for what it really is: a failure of imagination.   #Biotech #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #Innovation #Leadership