Global innovations focus on waste reduction through circular

economies, composting, and repair cafes, with their impact by 2050

WASTE OF THE
As humans transitioned from using tools to
settling in villages around 6000 to 3000 BC,
waste accumulation became evident.

FUTURE
Landfills were invented to manage waste,
and the global population witnessed a fourfold increase
in waste between 3000 BC and the present era.

The 19th century marked a turning point with the discovery of microorganisms and the
declaration of war on waste. Incinerators were constructed in England, and Paris imposed
the use of special containers for household garbage.

The industrial revolution introduced a surge of waste, with the extraction of 1 ton of produce
resulting in 7 tons of mining waste, oil, and chemicals.

Mass production in the 20th century led to the generation of non-degradable and
sometimes deadly waste. In the 1970s, Denmark pioneered recycling as a solution to
address these environmental concerns.

ARTHUR HUANG
Taiwanese architect and engineer
Arthur Huang turns trash into
materials used for interiors,
Arthur Huang is dedicated to repurposing plastic waste, construction and consumer products.
an underappreciated resource, by focusing on utilizing
only non-toxic plastics to protect the environment and The underlying philosophy is wisdom in minimization. The belief
the health of end-users. is that to reduce carbon emissions, it is essential to adopt
product and engineering solutions that utilize 100% recycled
Arthur Huang is dedicated to repurposing plastic waste, materials.
an underappreciated resource, by focusing on utilizing
only non-toxic plastics to protect the environment and Huang stresses the importance of considering the material
the health of end-users. being recycled and maintaining its strength during the cleaning
and chopping process. The team combines engineering
One of the innovative techniques employed is the poly disciplines to improve material properties.
interlocking joint system. This involves transforming
recycled plastic into a three-dimensional structure with To address the issue of everyday plastic consumption, Huang's
interlocking joints, creating strong and resilient walls. An team incorporates organic fibers, such as rice bran, into their
80-foot tall building near Taipei stands as a testament to polymers. This not only lightens the material but also maintains
this technique, capable of withstanding typhoons and strength, showcasing an innovative and eco-friendly approach
earthquakes. to common plastic products.
Carbon fiber is renowned for its exceptional strength-
This groundbreaking approach aims to revolutionize
to-weight ratio. Innovations seeking materials with
the automotive and aviation industries, elevating
comparable lightness but 60% of the strength are
safety standards to unprecedented levels with
pushing the boundaries of what's possible in various
significant implications for aircraft design and
industries.
manufacturing.

ZENROBOTICS
The concept of a poly-material with programmable
formability introduces a new dimension to material
science. This adaptable material, combining fabric-like
flexibility with aircraft-grade resilience, holds potential ZenRobotics develops AI-powered robotic
applications in diverse fields. systems to enhance waste sorting efficiency
in recycling plants.

The system uses various sensors, including cameras, near-infrared By automating the sorting process, ZenRobotics aims to
sensors, and other advanced technologies to scan and recognize improve the efficiency of recycling operations. The
different types of materials in the waste stream. robotic systems can work continuously without breaks,
leading to increased throughput and reduced labor costs.
Artificial intelligence algorithms are employed to analyze the data
collected from the sensors. These algorithms can identify and ZenRobotics technology contributes to a more
classify various materials such as metal, plastic, wood, and more. sustainable and environmentally friendly waste
management process. By automating the sorting of
recyclable materials, it helps increase the recycling rates
and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
 FREITAG
Freitag emphasizes the concepts of a circular economy through creating products
that are robust and built to last. By adopting this strategy, customers are motivated
to hold onto and make use of the products for longer durations, reducing the need
for frequent replacements.

Freitag produces its bags locally in Zurich, Switzerland. Local production helps minimize transportation-related emissions
and supports the regional economy.

The company incorporates sustainable practices into its production processes, such as using water-based inks for printing
on tarpaulins and minimizing waste generation during manufacturing.

Freitag promotes product longevity through repair services. Customers are encouraged to repair their bags, extending their
lifespan. Additionally, the company has initiatives to recycle worn-out bags, closing the loop on the materials used in their
products.

Freitag is known for its transparent supply chain. The company provides information about the origins of the materials
used in its products, offering consumers insight into the sustainability of their purchases.

HUNGRY HARVEST
Hungry Harvest sources produce directly from farms that may have excess or "ugly" fruits
and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste. By rescuing these items, the company
helps prevent perfectly edible and nutritious food from being discarded.

The company operates on a subscription-based model, where customers receive a weekly or bi-weekly box of rescued
produce. This approach allows Hungry Harvest to efficiently distribute surplus produce to consumers while reducing the
need for traditional grocery stores to discard cosmetically imperfect items.

Hungry Harvest offers customizable boxes, allowing customers to choose the types and quantities of produce they want.
This flexibility reduces the likelihood of food being wasted because customers receive items they genuinely need and will
consume.

Hungry Harvest is committed to a zero-waste mission. This includes not only rescuing produce but also minimizing
packaging waste and finding sustainable solutions for any unavoidable waste generated during their operations.

Hungry Harvest collaborates with local food banks, shelters, and other charitable organizations to donate surplus produce
that may not be suitable for subscription boxes but is still safe and nutritious. This strengthens the company's commitment
to addressing food insecurity while minimizing waste.

IRSTEA
The institute may conduct studies on waste valorization, seeking ways to turn waste materials
into valuable resources. This could involve developing innovative technologies or processes to
transform agricultural and environmental waste into useful products or energy sources.

The institute may conduct studies on waste valorization, seeking ways to turn waste materials into valuable resources.
This could involve developing innovative technologies or processes to transform agricultural and environmental waste
into useful products or energy sources.

The institute may conduct studies on waste valorization, seeking ways to turn waste materials into valuable resources.
This could involve developing innovative technologies or processes to transform agricultural and environmental waste
into useful products or energy sources.

IRSTAE's research in water management may contribute to reducing pollution and waste in water systems. This could
involve studying the impact of agricultural practices on water quality and developing strategies to mitigate
contamination and reduce waste runoff.

IRSTAE's research in water management may contribute to reducing pollution and waste in water systems. This could
involve studying the impact of agricultural practices on water quality and developing strategies to mitigate
contamination and reduce waste runoff.