Last week, PepsiCo announced the 10 startup finalists for its inaugural Greenhouse Accelerator Program -Sustainability Edition in APAC. These startups came from various countries across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, including China, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.
“PepsiCo’s collaboration with the ten startup finalists in the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward responsible growth and environmental stewardship. By embracing innovative solutions and integrating sustainability across our operations, we aim to redefine industry norms and inspire the next generation of business leaders to drive positive change,” said Wern Yuen Tan, CEO of PepsiCo, APAC, in a press statement.
These startups were the results of an open call that PepsiCo did in March when it sought innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and climate reduction. A committee of leaders within PepsiCo selected the finalists based on their ability to deliver innovative solutions that effectively mitigate climate impact.
They will receive valuable support, including US$20,000 in grants during the four-month business optimisation programme designed to accelerate their growth. They will also benefit from personalised mentorship from experts across different functional areas within PepsiCo.
At the end of the program, one standout startup will be awarded an additional US$100,000 and the opportunity to continue partnering with PepsiCo on future projects.
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The programme includes a list of four startups from countries in Southeast Asia, from Singapore to Thailand to Vietnam. The following is an email interview with the startups that e27 has done.
MEDS Venture
MEDS Venture provides end-to-end decarbonisation solutions for industries through the combination of the extensive energy industry and EPCM experience of its founding partners and digital platform DECAPLAN originated at Energy Research Institute @ NTU.
This combination allows MEDS Venture to deliver carbon footprint assessment and verification; net zero master planning and solutions; tender and green financing management; turn-key implementation management; net zero operations optimisation; and carbon footprint reduction verification and certification.
The company focuses on market segments that are known to be large energy consumers with electric and thermal loads, including infrastructure, manufacturing, and smart districts.
“At the moment, MEDS Venture is working based on a consulting business model, using DECAPLAN as an internal tool to deliver projects. However, we are also working on further DECAPLAN improvement in order to make it a stand-alone SaaS platform,” the company explains.
MEDS Venture has recently completed two major projects, and it considered being selected by PepsiCo as one of its key milestones.
“Our plans for this year include the development of DECAPLAN Light, which should become our first SaaS version, expansion to new APAC markets and to new industries such as F&B, which is perfectly aligned with PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator APAC Program since we will be closely working with PepsiCo mentors to learn about F&B business and processes, identify a pilot project in APAC region and based on these learnings improve DECAPLAN.”
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Green2Get
Green2Get describes its product as a circular economy platform that aims to revolutionise the way stakeholders in the recycling value chain connect and collaborate.
“The problem we address is the lack of a seamless and efficient solution for consumers, recyclers, and brands to promote sustainable recycling. We connect consumers with recycling centres through our user-friendly Green2Get app, provide recyclers with a marketplace for new waste types through the Hero Recycle app, and enable brands to communicate directly with consumers for responsible waste management,” the company explains.
Its revenue model is based on transaction fees between recyclers (“junk shop”) and recycling factories, as well as brand partnerships and sponsorship opportunities. By facilitating transactions and providing marketing opportunities, the company generates revenue while driving the circular economy forward.
Regarding the different types of users of their platform: “Consumers are attracted to our app’s user-friendly interface and the rewards they can earn through responsible recycling. Recyclers join our platform to expand their client base and gain access to new waste types. Brands utilise our platform to communicate directly with consumers and enhance their green image. We acquired our users through a combination of targeted marketing efforts, partnerships with recycling centres, and word-of-mouth referrals.”
Some of the milestones that Green2Get has made include over 30,000 downloads of its Green2Get app, partnerships with more than 1,000 recycling centres, and engagement with numerous brands.
“We aim to streamline the recycling process further, introduce new tools for junk shops, and attract more brands to join our platform. Participating in this programme [with PepsiCo] will provide us with valuable mentorship, coaching, and connections to industry experts. It will accelerate our growth, help us refine our strategies, and provide access to resources that can support our plans for expansion and impact.”
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Muuse
“At Muuse, we provide a convenient alternative to disposable packaging: a smart platform for reusable packaging that allows for optimised inventory management and accurate impact data. With our platform, we make it easier to reduce or even eliminate disposable packaging!” the company explains.
Muuse works directly with corporates, cafes, food courts, and event organisers to bring reusable packaging to their customers. It charges a monthly service fee which allows them to use the Muuse platform, either by using the Muuse reusables or integrating their own branded items into the platform. It also provides logistics and cleaning services, return infrastructure, and smart data analysis where required and works with strategic partners to help them build out reuse platforms for their communities.
“We provide our reuse platform in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Toronto. Our users are people who are looking for convenient and easy ways to reduce their waste footprint. We aim to make the reuse experience as seamless as possible for them: our service is free to use, and there is no need for cash deposits. Most of our users hear about us from the clients we work with, which are often their offices or workplaces, their favourite coffee spots, their neighbourhood food court, or their friends and family!”
There are several milestones that Muuse made this year, including a strategic partnership with Starbucks in Hong Kong and a hawker centre programme with the Singapore Government.
“Our plan this year is to accelerate growth in our three core markets and build out our brand partnerships. Through the Greenhouse Accelerator, we aim to work with PepsiCo to build out a reuse model to serve their clients best. It will help us tap into PepsiCo’s experience and expertise in the F&B industry and help us modify our model where necessary to reduce as much disposable waste from the trash as possible.”
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HRK Group
HRK Group is the company behind Aquaflex, a water-soluble plastic technology made in Vietnam. Made from PVA, a non-toxic synthetic polymer, Aquaflex is a recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, marine-safe, and animal-safe alternative to traditional plastics.
“Our PVA PRO tech combined with paper and finished with a beautiful eco-friendly water-based printing, is a perfect packaging solution for the circular economy,” the company explains. “It comes in rolls for auto-packing lines or in preformed bags that performed well and remains 100 per cent recyclable in the normal paper recycling stream making it a unique solution for the circular economy.”
Implementing a direct sales model to businesses, Aquaflex users are businesses in various industries–from farming to retailers to e-commerce companies–that are looking for better packaging and have an eco-friendly conscience. The company has secured big-name clients that include L’Oreal, Decathlon, PepsiCo, and Takashimaya.
“We came up with this idea because we saw a need for a better packaging solution that is more sustainable. We knew that many businesses were struggling to find a good solution, and we saw an opportunity to solve their problem and make a difference in this world for a better society.”
This year, HRK Group aims to expand its business and raise funding to increase its production capacity. It also wants to reach 100 employees by the end of the year.
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“Participation in this programme will help us achieve our goals in a number of ways. First, we will have the opportunity to connect with other businesses that are working to reduce plastic pollution. This will give us a chance to learn from each other and share resources. Second, we will have the opportunity to meet with PepsiCo, one of the world’s leading FMCG companies. This will give us the chance to pitch our product to them and hopefully secure a partnership,” the company says.
“Third, we will have the chance to receive mentorship from experts in the field of sustainable packaging. This will give us valuable advice and guidance as we grow our business. Together we have a chance to tackle plastic pollution and give a real dynamic, starting a needed change in the supply chain to build a sustainable industry.”
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