Europe’s most innovative startups are vying for the prestigious Green Alley Award this year with groundbreaking ideas that could revolutionize the way we think about waste and sustainability. From using orange peel to recycle batteries to creating compostable packaging from biochar, these startups are pushing the boundaries of circular principles.
One standout startup is AraBat, led by Raffaele Nacchiero, who has developed a cost-effective and sustainable lithium battery recycling process using orange peels and other organic waste. Their innovative approach aims to extract metal compounds from spent batteries and reintroduce them back into the market, all while reducing waste.
Another exciting contender is Carbon Cell, headed by designer Elizabeth Lee, which is tackling the issue of polystyrene waste with compostable packaging made from biochar. With a renewable supply chain and a focus on sustainability, Carbon Cell is paving the way for a greener future.
Ecoplast, founded by Katarzyna Pokwicka-Croucher, is addressing the plastic and rubber waste crisis by developing Ecoplastomer, a technology that combines recycled tyre rubber with post-consumer plastic. This innovative process aims to reduce the environmental impact of discarded materials and promote a circular economy.
Novapedra, a Spanish startup, is using orange peel to create an alternative to ceramic, highlighting the potential of organic waste in sustainable manufacturing. Their low-energy manufacturing process offers a solution to landfill waste and promotes resourcefulness.
With the Green Alley Award finals approaching on April 25 in Berlin, these startups are ready to pitch their game-changing ideas and compete for the €25,000 prize. Stay tuned to discover which startup will emerge as the winner and lead the way towards a more sustainable future.
