The Climate Innovation Fund - Fighting plastic pollution with Ecovia
Ecovia is the first enterprise in Bangladesh to be awarded a grant from the British Asian Trust and SAJIDA Foundation’s new Climate Innovation Fund. The company uses cotton waste to produce compostable eco-friendly packaging which provides a sustainable alternative to plastic whilst also reducing the amount of textiles going to landfill. Here, Rashik Hassan, Co-Founder and CEO, shares their story and how Ecovia hopes to benefit from the funding, business support and mentorship provided by the Climate Innovation Fund.
1.Tell us about the passions of Ecovia’s team that inspired this journey to begin?
Ecovia was born from the socio environmental problem to tackle Bangladesh's growing plastic crisis. Living in Dhaka, where pollution seemed like an ever-present companion, we couldn't ignore the dire need for change. Witnessing first-hand the devastating effects of climate change and pollution, fuelled our passion for finding innovative solutions. Seeing slow progress and the harmful effects on the environment, we were driven to create sustainable alternatives. Our mission is simple: innovate for a cleaner, greener future.
2.What inspired Ecovia to focus on compostable packaging solutions, and how does your technology stand out in the clean-tech industry?
Ecovia was inspired to tackle Bangladesh's plastic pollution problem by providing compostable packaging solutions. We saw the damage caused by traditional plastics and the slow pace of waste reduction, which pushed us to seek a sustainable alternative. Our unique approach is upcycling cotton waste—material that would typically go to landfills—and transforming it into eco-friendly, compostable packaging. This not only helps reduce waste but also provides a greener option for businesses. Our patented technology stands out because it offers a practical solution to both plastic pollution and textile waste, making a positive environmental impact.
3.How will receiving a grant from the Climate Innovation Fund help to advance Ecovia’s mission and goals?
The grant from the Climate Innovation Fund has come at a great time in our journey. It will enable Ecovia to scale up our compostable packaging production, improve our technology, and expand our reach across Bangladesh. Specifically, we will use this opportunity to drive innovation by supporting our Research and Development efforts to develop compostable cutlery and bottles, helping us accelerate our mission to reduce plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.
4. Can you describe the environmental impact of your compostable products, especially in relation to clothing and plastic waste?
Ecovia's compostable products decompose within 180 days and turn into compost, greatly reducing the environmental impact caused by plastic pollution. By upcycling cotton waste, we help divert textiles from landfills and tackle the massive issue of clothing waste, which amounts to nearly 700,000 metric tonnes annually from Bangladesh's ready-made garments industry. Our packaging also offers a sustainable solution to plastic pollution. Unlike traditional plastics, which can take up to 1,000 years to decompose and remain in the environment, our products breakdown naturally without generating harmful microplastics. This is critical, especially in cities like Dhaka, where around 646 tonnes of plastic waste is collected daily. Through this approach, we promote an eco-friendly, circular economy for a more sustainable future.
5. How do you plan to utilise the funding and support to scale your operations and make a larger impact in Bangladesh and beyond?
We plan to use the funding to scale operations and increase our impact in Bangladesh and beyond. We'll invest in resources to develop new and innovative materials, allowing us to tap into diverse markets alongside flexible packaging. Our strategy includes expanding into domestic industries, exploring international markets, and partnering with local governments, NGOs, and businesses to promote compostable solutions. Through community workshops on reducing plastic waste, we aim to transform the packaging landscape and contribute to a cleaner, circular economy. It is great that initiatives like Climate Innovation Fund believe equally passionately about this mission and in our vision.
6. Why is it important for businesses and consumers to adopt sustainable packaging/plastic, and what challenges do you face in driving this transition?
Adopting sustainable packaging is essential for reducing environmental impact, promoting public health, and supporting a circular economy by cutting down on plastic waste. Existing challenges include the higher cost of sustainable materials and limited consumer awareness. Many businesses struggle with the expense, and educating consumers on the benefits of eco-friendly packaging is key to driving this transition. Despite these challenges, sustainable packaging is vital for a healthier planet and future. We believe the scale of production costs of sustainable materials will come down; we only need the acceptance of mass consumers to reach this goal and take consumers on this journey with us.
7. What role does innovation play in combating climate change, and how do you envision Ecovia contributing to a greener future?
We feel innovation lies at the heart of the fight against climate change. For example, at Ecovia, we are contributing to a greener future with our patented technology that converts clothing waste into compostable packaging. We are continually developing new products and technologies to advance sustainability. Through ongoing innovation, we aim to inspire others and play a leading role in building an eco-friendlier world.
