We were really intrigued by this article published on the GreenBiz website, and we think it’s perfect to share with our community. You’ll learn about some incredible initiatives that startups are launching in 2024. Let us give you a brief overview, and trust us, you’ll be amazed!
Just a quick note: the original article is in English, and we’ve translated it to Spanish, keeping it as close to the original text as possible.
Achieving a sustainable economy relies on the advancement of circular processes—according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, this refers to a system where materials never become waste, and nature regenerates itself. Circular Economy entrepreneurs play a key role in driving this change by using technology and innovative business models. Some of the most exciting concepts include AI-powered secondhand shopping and projects involving mushrooms that eat waste.
This year, at GreenBiz, we identified a dozen of the most innovative circular startups based on their strength in six criteria: the uniqueness of their solution; the strength of their business model; focus on customer needs; demonstrated traction; the relevant experience of their team; and the quality of their pitch. Other requirements: they are all incorporated, have a product ready, and employ at least one full-time person.
These top 12 were selected from among 65 startups that applied to present their businesses to industry leaders at Circularity 24, a conference that will take place on May 23 in Chicago. A short list of five will get the chance to present that day. Here’s a quick peek at the most promising circular startups we’re seeing right now:
Waste Valorization: Lucent Biosciences in Vancouver turns pea, lentil, and oat waste into micronutrient fertilizers.
Refillable Containers: Myro in New York offers a subscription service for refillable containers for personal care products.
Shared Vacuums and Printers: Tulu in New York provides rental lockers in apartment buildings for printers, vacuums, and other equipment.
What to Do with Food Scraps: Mi Terro in Los Angeles transforms food production leftovers and paper manufacturing waste into bioplastics.
Digital Thrift Store: Beni in Santa Barbara, California, uses AI to track online deals from secondhand clothing retailers.
Zero-Waste Hygiene Products: Aruna Revolution in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, designs compostable and non-toxic sanitary towels made from food and crop waste.
Takeout Containers: DeliverZero in New York allows reusable containers for takeout and delivery food.
More Attractive Bottles: Magnomer in Framingham, Massachusetts, creates easy-to-remove magnetic coatings to improve bottle recycling rates.
Mushroom-Based Building Materials: Mycocycle in Bolingbrook, Illinois, uses fungal mycelium to create low-carbon foam, fiber, and insulation for buildings.
AI-Powered Recycling: Intuitive AI in Vancouver provides an AI assistant and analytics to boost recycling rates.
Fleet Electrification: Evolectric in Long Beach, California, transforms commercial fleets into electric vehicles.
Matching Equipment: LiquiDonate in San Francisco connects unsold and returned products with nonprofits and schools.
You can read the original article in its original language, with credits going to Jake Mitchell, Senior Startup Programs Manager at GreenBiz Group.
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/12-innovative-circular-economy-startups-2024