Issue No.030
TL;DR // This edition is all about Carbon removal, sustainable foam, AI to measure greenhouse gases, sustainable shopping and an ecosystem for startups and investors.
Hej, this is Sustainovation Tidbits.
As people remember from my previous newsletter Timo's Trend Thursday, this format is known for sharing bite-sized trend insights that pack a punch without going into epic detail. With over 950 trends and innovations featured across 190 episodes of Timo's Trend Thursday it’s time to kick off something new. But somehow similar.
For those who are passionate about the convergence of design, tech, innovation and sustainability, Sustainovation Tidbits is your go-to destination for a weekly dose of inspiration and insight.
01. Everest
Everest Carbon specializes in developing innovative sensor technology to accurately measure and verify CO₂ removal through Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) processes. Their mission is to enable the removal of billions of tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere by providing cost-effective, scalable, and precise measurement solutions for ERW initiatives.
What’s differentiating?
The pressing global issue Everest Carbon addresses is the excessive concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere, a primary driver of climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires the removal of 5 to 10 billion tons of CO₂ annually.
Everest Carbon
02. Cruz Foam
Cruz Foam is a materials technology company that develops sustainable, compostable foam packaging solutions as alternatives to traditional petroleum-based foams. Their products are made from chitin—a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells—and upcycled food waste, providing eco-friendly options for industries such as electronics, appliances, and consumer packaged goods.
What’s differentiating?
Traditional plastic foams like EPS are non-biodegradable, contributing significantly to environmental pollution, particularly in marine ecosystems. Approximately 2 million tons of EPS are produced annually, much of which ends up in landfills or oceans, posing threats to wildlife and contributing to the growing problem of microplastics. Cruz Foam addresses this issue by creating compostable foam materials from chitin and upcycled food waste. Their products decompose within 103 days under industrial composting conditions, significantly reducing environmental impact compared to traditional foams.
03. Footprint Intelligence
Footprint Intelligence is an AI-based platform that helps companies measure their greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1-3), comply with ESG regulations according to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and implement decarbonization strategies.
What’s differentiating?
Footprint Intelligence offers a solution by providing a user-friendly platform that uses AI to automate and simplify the process of emissions measurement and reporting. This enables companies to monitor their environmental performance efficiently, meet regulatory requirements, and take effective decarbonization measures. The platform also promotes a holistic commitment to climate protection measures within the entire value chain by involving employees, suppliers, and customers in the sustainability process.
04. COSH!
COSH! (Conscious Shopping) is an online platform that simplifies the search for sustainable and ethical fashion by providing consumers with transparent information about brands and local stores. It evaluates the sustainability credentials of fashion brands and retailers, enabling users to make informed purchasing decisions that align with their values.
What’s differentiating?
The fashion industry contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions, 20% of wastewater, and significant water consumption, with one T-shirt requiring over 2,000 liters of water. Fast fashion exacerbates these environmental issues, producing waste, pollution, and resource depletion. While over 70% of consumers consider sustainability in fashion purchases, greenwashing and lack of transparency make identifying genuinely sustainable brands challenging. COSH! addresses these issues by providing a platform that evaluates and verifies the sustainability credentials of brands and retailers, empowering consumers to make informed decisions. This transparency encourages responsible consumption and motivates brands to adopt ethical and sustainable practices.
05. Neostarter
NEOSTARTER is a digital platform designed to connect startups, experts, investors, and corporations within the international startup ecosystem. It facilitates seamless interactions among these stakeholders, promoting collaboration and accelerating business growth.
What’s differentiating?
The global startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with over 150 million startups worldwide as of 2024. Despite this growth, startups face significant challenges, including a high failure rate—approximately 90% fail, with 29% citing funding issues as a primary reason. Access to funding is particularly challenging, as only 0.05% of startups secure venture capital. Additionally, startups often struggle with customer acquisition, talent retention, and competition. NEOSTARTER addresses these challenges by providing a digital platform that connects startups with investors, experts, and corporations, facilitating efficient networking and collaboration. By offering a centralized ecosystem, NEOSTARTER enhances startups' access to essential resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities, thereby increasing their chances of success and contributing to a more robust global startup economy.
Loved what you read in our 30th issue? If the first issue resonated with you I’d be more than happy if you could spread the word. In the meantime stay curious, and differentiating. See you next week.
cheers, Timo
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