EcoORP: Green Plastic Innovation

Our solution team is part of UCSI University, a private university. Therefore, we fall under the category of "Other, including part of a larger organization." As a team within UCSI University, we leverage the resources, expertise, and network of the university to develop and implement our solution to combat plastic waste pollution.

The specific problem we are addressing is the alarming increase in plastic waste, particularly single-use plastics, and its detrimental impact on the environment and human health. In Malaysia, where our solution is focused, the plastic production industry is one of the largest globally, with over 1,300 plastic manufacturers. This industry exported resins valued at 30 billion Malaysian Ringgits (MYR) in 2016, contributing significantly to the plastic waste generation in the country.

Malaysian households generate varying amounts of waste, ranging from 0.85 kg to 1.5 kg per person per day. This amount is higher than other developing countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, which generate 0.22 kg and 0.4 kg of waste per person per day, respectively. This excessive plastic waste poses a significant threat to the environment, as it often ends up in water bodies, causing pollution and harming marine life. Furthermore, plastic waste contributes to the deterioration of terrestrial ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and human well-being.

Globally, the plastic pollution problem is pervasive, with plastics contaminating marine and terrestrial environments worldwide. Manufacturing synthetic polymers (plastics) from crude oil has been a crucial matter for over 50 years, with applications spanning the packaging, automotive, construction, and telecommunications industries. The contamination of marine and terrestrial ecosystems by plastic is a worldwide issue, with plenty of evidence demonstrating the harmful effects on aquatic and terrestrial creatures.

Efforts to combat plastic pollution have been ongoing for decades, with initiatives starting in 1975 like the European Union's Waste Framework Directives and waste management hierarchy ranking prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal activities. Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of regulations has been uneven globally, with varying rates of plastic recycling and landfilling in different regions. For instance, in the United States, just 8% of plastic garbage is recycled, while 76% is landfilled. In Europe, 30% of plastic waste is recycled and 31% is landfilled. However, stringent regulations, such as the ban on single-use plastics in the European Union since 2021 and several US states including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, highlight the growing awareness of the need to address plastic pollution.

Our solution aims to contribute to these global efforts by developing biodegradable single-use plastics with enhanced properties to promote efficient biofilm formation and degradation. By providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics, we seek to reduce the adverse impact of plastic waste on ecosystems and human health, both locally in Malaysia and globally.

Our solution focuses on developing biodegradable single-use plastics with enhanced properties to address the challenges of plastic waste pollution. Essentially, we're creating a new type of plastic that breaks down more easily in the environment, reducing its harmful impact.

Here's how it works: First, we start with commonly used polymers like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, which are known for their durability but also contribute significantly to plastic waste. We modify these polymers by loading them with non-ionic surfactants, which enhance the hydrophobicity of the plastic surface and promote biofilm formation. This modification makes the plastic more attractive to microorganisms, which can then break it down more effectively.

To ensure the success of our solution, we employ a combination of experimental activity and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS). In the experimental stage, we thoroughly characterize the modified polymers and investigate the interactions between polymers and surfactants. This helps us understand how the modified plastics behave and how they can contribute to environmental sustainability.

Additionally, we use MDS to optimize the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) condition, which is crucial for facilitating the breakdown of biodegradable plastics. By simulating the polymer-surfactant-surface structure under different ORP conditions, we can identify the most effective conditions for promoting biodegradation. This allows us to design plastics that degrade efficiently in various environmental settings.

Furthermore, we employ the Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology to design and conduct experiments to validate the performance of the modified biodegradable plastics. By analyzing the results using statistical tools like Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and diagnostic plots, we ensure the reliability and validity of our findings. This systematic approach enables us to predict the performance of biodegradable plastics under different conditions, contributing to the development of reliable methodologies for designing and testing modified plastics.

In summary, our solution involves creating biodegradable single-use plastics by modifying commonly used polymers with non-ionic surfactants. Through a combination of experimental work, molecular simulation, and statistical analysis, we aim to develop plastics that degrade more efficiently, reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Our solution serves various stakeholders impacted by plastic waste pollution, including communities, industries, and the environment.

Firstly, communities are directly affected by plastic waste, facing environmental degradation and health hazards. By developing biodegradable single-use plastics, we provide communities with a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, reducing their reliance on non-biodegradable materials. This not only mitigates environmental contamination but also improves public health by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals from plastics.

Secondly, industries, particularly those involved in packaging and manufacturing, stand to benefit from our solution. Biodegradable plastics offer a more environmentally friendly option for packaging, aligning with consumer preferences for eco-friendly products. This can enhance brand reputation and market competitiveness while also addressing regulatory pressures to reduce plastic waste.

Additionally, our solution has broader implications for the environment, contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem preservation. Traditional plastics pose a significant threat to marine life, with millions of animals dying each year due to entanglement or ingestion of plastic debris. Biodegradable plastics reduce this risk by breaking down more quickly, reducing the accumulation of plastic waste in oceans and waterways.

Overall, our solution aims to directly improve the lives of individuals and communities by addressing the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste pollution. By providing a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, we empower communities to make environmentally conscious choices and promote a healthier and cleaner environment for future generations.

Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver impactful solutions to address environmental challenges, including plastic waste pollution. We have a demonstrated track record of actively engaging in various impactful activities aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness. From organizing beach cleanups to conducting workshops on nanotechnology, our team has been at the forefront of raising awareness and implementing practical solutions.

In addition to our community engagement efforts, such as World Cleanup Day and Cycleton for a Green campus, we have also focused on educational initiatives like The Solar World project and Nano Workshop. These endeavors empower students and communities with knowledge and practical skills to tackle environmental challenges effectively.

Moreover, our team has undertaken projects focused on innovative solutions, including:
(1) Turning waste cooking oil into biodiesel using the transesterification process.
(2) Participating in events like the Malaysia Innovation Summit to showcase technologies for sustainable smart cities.
(3) Harnessing green hydrogen production, carbon capture using membrane technology, and the development of nano-sensors for CO2 detection.

We are driving forward sustainable solutions that have the potential to catalyze positive change on a global scale. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to collaboration and innovation in promoting a greener and more sustainable future.

By leveraging our expertise, experience, and ongoing research efforts, we are well-equipped to design and deliver solutions that address the pressing issue of plastic waste pollution. Our strong ties with local communities, combined with our commitment to community-driven approaches, ensure that our solutions are both impactful and sustainable in the long term.

It is evident that the plastic waste problem significantly affects oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), which is crucial for the health of aquatic ecosystems. Plastic waste pollution reduces ORP by introducing harmful contaminants and pollutants into the environment, inhibiting the efficient breakdown of waste products by bacteria.

Our solution addresses this problem by developing biodegradable single-use plastics that not only mitigate plastic waste pollution but also contribute to restoring the ORP of aquatic habitats. By manufacturing synthetic polymers (plastics) from sustainable sources and incorporating biodegradable materials, we aim to create plastics that break down more efficiently in the environment, reducing their negative impact on ORP and ecosystem health.

We have built prototypes of these biodegradable single-use plastics and conducted initial testing to assess their performance in real-world conditions. Our testing has focused on evaluating the biodegradability, durability, and environmental impact of the plastics, including their effect on ORP in aquatic environments.

While we are still in the early stages of development, we have already served a small number of customers and beneficiaries through pilot programs and partnerships with local communities and organizations. These pilot programs have provided valuable feedback and insights that have informed our iterative design process and helped us refine our solution to better meet the needs of end-users.

Overall, our solution is designed to address the plastic waste problem comprehensively and sustainably, with a focus on restoring and maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems by improving ORP. We are committed to continuing our efforts to develop and deploy biodegradable single-use plastics that contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

We are applying to Solve because we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to address complex global challenges such as plastic waste pollution. Solve's platform offers a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse network of partners, experts, and resources that can help us overcome various barriers and accelerate the development and implementation of our solution.

Specifically, we hope Solve can help us overcome the following barriers:

(1) Financial Barriers: Developing and scaling our biodegradable single-use plastics require significant financial resources for research and development, materials sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution. Solve's grant funding can provide crucial support to cover these expenses and allow us to focus on refining our solution without being constrained by financial limitations.

(2) Technical Expertise: Solving the plastic waste problem requires expertise in materials science, environmental engineering, and waste management. Solve's network of experts and mentors can provide valuable technical guidance and insights to help us overcome technical challenges and optimize our solution for maximum impact.

(3) Legal and Regulatory Challenges: Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape related to plastics manufacturing, waste management, and environmental protection can be complex and time-consuming. Solve can connect us with legal experts and regulatory advisors who can help us navigate these challenges and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

(4) Market Access: Bringing biodegradable single-use plastics to market requires access to distribution channels, partnerships with manufacturers and retailers, and consumer acceptance. Solve's network can facilitate introductions to potential partners and customers, helping us expand our market reach and scale our solution more effectively.

(5) Cultural and Behavioral Change: Addressing plastic waste pollution also involves fostering cultural and behavioral change to promote sustainable consumption and waste reduction. Solve can support us in developing educational campaigns, community engagement initiatives, and advocacy efforts to raise awareness and inspire action among consumers, businesses, and policymakers.

Overall, we see Solve as a valuable partner in our mission to combat plastic waste pollution and create a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations. By leveraging Solve's resources, expertise, and network, we believe we can accelerate the impact of our solution and contribute to meaningful change on a global scale.

Our solution stands out for its innovative approach to addressing the plastic waste crisis through the development of biodegradable single-use plastics with enhanced oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). Here's what makes our solution innovative:

(1) Enhanced Biodegradability: Traditional biodegradable plastics often lack efficient degradation properties, leading to long decomposition times and environmental persistence. Our solution focuses on enhancing the biodegradability of single-use plastics by optimizing their cell surface hydrophobicity, allowing a more efficient biofilm formation and degradation by microorganisms in the nature. This innovative approach accelerates the breakdown of plastics in various environmental conditions, minimizing their impact on ecosystems and wildlife.

(2) Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) Optimization: We incorporate the concept of ORP into the design of our biodegradable plastics. By enhancing the ORP of our products, we aim to create a favorable environment to facilitate faster and more complete degradation of plastics into harmless byproducts. This novel strategy addresses a critical aspect of plastic waste management, promoting natural remediation processes and reducing the accumulation of plastic pollution in the environment.

(3) Multidisciplinary Research: Our solution brings together expertise from diverse fields, including materials science (polymer), environmental engineering, microbiology, and sustainability. By leveraging insights from these disciplines, we develop holistic solutions that consider the complex interactions between plastics, microorganisms, and environmental factors. This multidisciplinary approach fosters innovation and creativity, leading to a breakthrough in biodegradable plastic technology and waste management practices.

(4) Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: We believe in the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive positive change in the fight against plastic pollution. Our solution actively engages stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and civil society to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on research projects. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, we catalyze broader positive impacts and inspire others in the space to adopt innovative solutions and sustainable practices.

(5) Market Transformation: Our solution has the potential to transform the market landscape by offering a viable alternative to conventional single-use plastics. As consumers and businesses increasingly prioritize sustainability, there is growing demand for eco-friendly products and packaging materials. By providing biodegradable plastics with superior performance and environmental benefits, we disrupt the status quo and catalyze a shift towards a circular economy where plastics are reused, recycled, or safely biodegraded.

In summary, our solution combines innovative technology, multidisciplinary collaboration, and market-driven approaches to address the plastic waste crisis. By pushing the boundaries of biodegradable plastic technology and fostering a culture of sustainability, we aim to catalyze broader positive impacts and create a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.

Our solution aims to have a significant impact on the plastic waste crisis by addressing key aspects of the problem through a targeted approach. Here's how and why we expect our solution to make a difference:

(1) Activities: Our activities focus on developing biodegradable single-use plastics with enhanced oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) through multidisciplinary research, including materials science, microbiology, and environmental engineering. We conduct laboratory experiments to optimize the properties of our plastics and evaluate their biodegradability under various conditions.

(2) Outputs: The outputs of our activities include the production of biodegradable plastics with improved ORP, characterized by enhanced cell surface hydrophobicity and efficient biofilm formation. These plastics are designed to degrade more rapidly and completely in natural environments, reducing the accumulation of plastic waste and its harmful impact on ecosystems.

(3) Outcomes:

• Immediate: By introducing biodegradable plastics into the market, we aim to immediately reduce the use of non-biodegradable single-use plastics, thereby preventing further plastic pollution. Businesses and consumers can transition to more sustainable alternatives, minimizing their environmental footprint and contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet.
• Longer-Term: Over time, the widespread adoption of our biodegradable plastics can lead to broader positive outcomes, including:
  • Reduction in Plastic Pollution: As biodegradable plastics replace traditional plastics, the amount of plastic waste entering the environment decreases. This results in cleaner oceans, rivers, and landscapes, with less harm to marine life and ecosystems.
  • Improved Environmental Health: With fewer plastics polluting the environment, natural habitats can recover and thrive. Clean waterways support biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services, such as water purification and flood regulation.
  • Human Health Benefits: By reducing exposure to plastic pollution, particularly microplastics, human health may improve. Less plastic contamination in food and water sources reduces the risk of health problems associated with plastic ingestion, such as endocrine disruption and reproductive issues.
  • Economic Opportunities: The shift towards biodegradable plastics creates opportunities for innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. Industries that produce and utilize biodegradable materials can contribute to a circular economy, where resources are reused, recycled, or biodegraded, promoting long-term prosperity.

(4) Evidence: Our theory of change is supported by scientific research demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of biodegradable plastics with enhanced ORP. Studies have shown that optimizing the biodegradability of plastics can significantly reduce their environmental impact, leading to positive outcomes for ecosystems and human health.

In summary, our solution's theory of change outlines a clear pathway from activities to immediate outputs and longer-term outcomes, demonstrating how our efforts can contribute to addressing the plastic waste crisis and creating a more sustainable future.

Our impact goals for our solution are aligned with the overarching objective of addressing the plastic waste crisis and promoting environmental sustainability. We aim to achieve the following impact goals:

(1) Reduction in Plastic Pollution: Our primary impact goal is to significantly reduce plastic pollution by replacing non-biodegradable single-use plastics with our biodegradable alternatives. We measure our progress towards this goal by tracking the adoption of our biodegradable plastics by businesses, industries, and consumers. Key indicators include the volume of non-biodegradable plastics substituted by our products, the number of businesses and industries adopting sustainable packaging practices, and the percentage reduction in plastic waste entering landfills or natural environments.

(2) Environmental Health Improvement: Another impact goal is to improve environmental health by minimizing the harmful effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems and wildlife. We measure our progress by monitoring changes in environmental indicators, such as water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. Specific indicators include the reduction in plastic debris in marine and terrestrial habitats, improvements in water and soil quality, and the recovery of degraded ecosystems over time.

(3) Economic Opportunities and Social Benefits: Finally, we seek to create economic opportunities and social benefits by fostering innovation, job creation, and sustainable development. Progress towards this goal is measured by indicators related to economic growth, job creation, and community well-being. Key indicators include the number of green jobs created in the biodegradable plastics industry, the economic value generated by the adoption of sustainable packaging practices, and improvements in community resilience and social cohesion.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we collect and analyze relevant data on an ongoing basis. This includes conducting surveys, interviews, and assessments to gather information from stakeholders, monitoring environmental and health indicators through field studies and scientific research, and collaborating with partners to track the adoption and impact of our solution in different contexts. By regularly evaluating our progress and adjusting our strategies as needed, we ensure that our solution is effectively contributing to the desired impact goals and driving positive change in the fight against plastic pollution.

The core technology that powers our solution is the development of biodegradable single-use plastics with enhanced ORP. This technology involves the integration of innovative materials science, polymer chemistry, and environmental engineering principles to create sustainable alternatives to traditional non-biodegradable plastics.

The formulation of biodegradable polymers, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyreneare modified to enhance their biodegradability.

One key aspect of our technology is the incorporation of non-ionic surfactants into the polymer matrix. These surfactants alter the surface properties of the plastics, enhancing their hydrophobicity and promoting biofilm formation by microorganisms. This biofilm formation facilitates the breakdown of the plastics into smaller, biodegradable components, accelerating the overall degradation process.

Furthermore, our solution leverages ORP as a critical parameter in optimizing the biodegradation process. ORP measures the ability of a marine environment to cleanse itself by breaking down waste products, including plastic contaminants. By designing our biodegradable plastics to promote an optimum ORP condition, we ensure that microorganisms can efficiently decompose the plastics, leading to minimal environmental impact.

In terms of implementation, our technology utilizes a combination of laboratory experimentation, computational modeling, and field testing. Laboratory experiments involve the synthesis and characterization of biodegradable polymers, as well as the evaluation of their performance under various environmental conditions. Computational modeling techniques, such as molecular dynamics simulation (MDS), will be employed to design and optimize the polymer-surfactant interactions and ORP conditions. Field testing allows us to validate the effectiveness of our biodegradable plastics in real-world environments and assess their impact on plastic waste reduction.

Overall, our core technology represents a holistic approach to addressing the plastic waste crisis by harnessing the power of materials science, chemistry, and environmental engineering to develop sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, we aim to revolutionize the way single-use plastics are produced, used, and disposed of, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Three full-time staff members comprise the team, as listed below:

1. Leader: Dr. Vahid Khosravi

2. Co-leader: Dr. Yeap Swee Pin

3. Member: Dr. Teng Kah Hou

One Year

Our team at UCSI University places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our operations. We recognize that diverse perspectives and experiences are essential for innovation and problem-solving, and we are committed to fostering an environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and supported.

Our leadership team comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, including different ethnicities, genders, and cultural experiences. We believe that this diversity enriches our decision-making processes and allows us to better understand and serve the communities we work with.

To ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion are prioritized within our organization, we have implemented several initiatives:

(1) Recruitment and Hiring Practices: We actively recruit and hire individuals from underrepresented groups, ensuring that our team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We use inclusive language in job postings and outreach efforts to attract a diverse pool of candidates.

(2) Training and Education: We provide ongoing training and education to our staff on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership. These sessions help raise awareness of DEI issues and equip our team with the skills needed to create inclusive environments.

(3) Employee Resource Groups: We support the formation of employee resource groups (ERGs) where staff members can come together based on shared identities or experiences. These groups provide a space for networking, mentorship, and advocacy, helping to amplify the voices of underrepresented employees.

(4) Mentorship and Career Development: We prioritize mentorship and career development opportunities for all staff members, with a particular focus on supporting the growth and advancement of individuals from marginalized backgrounds. We provide access to leadership training, coaching, and professional development programs to help staff reach their full potential.

(5) Regular Feedback and Assessment: We regularly solicit feedback from our team members through surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one discussions to assess our progress on DEI initiatives and identify areas for improvement. We use this feedback to inform our policies, practices, and programming.

Overall, our goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas, talents, and perspectives. We believe that by embracing diversity and fostering a culture of equity and inclusion, we can better fulfill our mission and drive positive change in our communities.

Our business model revolves around providing value to the populations we serve by addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste pollution while also generating revenue sustainably.

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

(1) Environmental Advocates: Our primary customers and beneficiaries are individuals, organizations, and governments committed to environmental sustainability. They seek solutions to mitigate plastic waste pollution and preserve the health of ecosystems, including marine and terrestrial environments.

(2) Industries and Businesses: We also cater to industries and businesses that rely on single-use plastics for packaging and other purposes. These entities are increasingly seeking environmentally friendly alternatives to meet consumer demand for sustainable products and reduce their environmental footprint.

Products and Services:

(1) Biodegradable Single-Use Plastics: Our flagship product will be biodegradable single-use plastics, including bags, containers, utensils, and packaging materials. These plastics will be manufactured using sustainable materials and technologies that facilitate efficient biodegradation in various environments.

(2) Consulting and Education: In addition to providing biodegradable plastics, we offer consulting services and educational resources to help organizations transition to more sustainable practices. This includes guidance on waste management strategies, sustainable product design, and employee training on environmental best practices.

How We Provide Products and Services:

(1) Manufacturing and Distribution: We will partner with manufacturers and suppliers to produce our biodegradable plastics for local usage and potentially export to worldwide in the near future.

(2) Training and Workshops: We will conduct training sessions and workshops to educate customers on the benefits of biodegradable plastics and how to integrate them into their operations effectively. These sessions cover topics such as product selection, proper disposal methods, and regulatory compliance.

Why They Want or Need Our Products and Services:

(1) Environmental Impact: Customers are motivated to adopt our products and services because they align with their values of environmental stewardship. By using biodegradable plastics, they can reduce their contribution to plastic waste pollution and minimize harm to ecosystems and wildlife.

(2) Regulatory Compliance: With increasing regulations and consumer pressure to reduce plastic waste, businesses and industries need sustainable alternatives to comply with environmental standards and meet market demands. Our products and services help them stay ahead of regulatory requirements and maintain their social responsibility commitments.

In summary, our business model combines revenue generation with social and environmental impact by providing biodegradable plastics and related services to customers and beneficiaries committed to sustainability. Through innovation, collaboration, and education, we aim to drive positive change and create a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.

Our plan for financial sustainability revolves around a combination of revenue streams, including selling products and services and potentially raising investment capital. By diversifying our income sources, we aim to cover our expected expenses and ensure the long-term viability of our solution.

(1) Selling Products and Services: Our primary revenue stream will come from selling biodegradable single-use plastics and related consulting services to organizations and businesses. We will generate income through product sales and consulting fees, which contribute to covering our operational costs and supporting further research and development.

(2) Investment Capital: In the future, we may explore opportunities to raise investment capital from impact investors or venture capitalists who are aligned with our mission and vision. Investment funding could accelerate our growth, enabling us to scale our operations, develop new products, and reach a wider audience.

Overall, we believe that our multi-pronged approach to financial sustainability will be successful in generating revenue and securing support for our work. By continuing to leverage diverse income streams and pursuing strategic partnerships, we are confident in our ability to achieve long-term financial viability while making a meaningful impact on plastic waste pollution.