Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

"Green Composite: a sustainable polymer product derived from hard-to-recycle municipal waste, reducing environmental pollution and creating economic opportunities for marginalized communities."

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Green Composite, where innovation meets impact. Imagine transforming hard-to-recycle municipal waste into durable roofing tiles. That's what we do. Our state-of-the-art technology turns trash into treasure, drastically reducing environmental pollution while providing a superior roofing solution. Our bio-composite roofing tiles are exceptionally durable, weather-resistant, and energy-efficient, making them the ideal choice for eco-conscious builders and homeowners. Each tile is crafted to offer long-lasting protection and enhance the aesthetic appeal of any building. But we’re about more than just products. At Green Composite, every tile we produce helps create jobs and empower marginalized communities, fostering economic growth and resilience. Our roofing tiles aren't just eco-friendly—they're a step towards a cleaner planet and a fairer society. Together, we're not just managing waste; we're redefining sustainability and making a real difference, one roof at a time

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Environmental pollution from non-recyclable municipal waste is a significant issue, particularly in Nigeria and broader Africa. Over 32 million tonnes of waste are generated annually in Nigeria alone, with inadequate infrastructure leading to widespread open dumping and burning. This results in severe pollution and public health issues, particularly affecting underserved communities. Local communities suffer from pollution-related health problems, municipal authorities struggle with high costs and logistical challenges, and the environment experiences degradation. The inefficiency in handling non-recyclable waste highlights a substantial gap in the market for effective waste management solutions and sustainable materials. With Africa generating about 125 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, the scale of the problem is immense and requires urgent, innovative solutions to achieve sustainability and

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Green Composite roofing tiles significantly reduce environmental pollution by repurposing hard-to-recycle waste, thus decreasing landfill volume and greenhouse gas emissions. This promotes a circular economy and conserves natural resources. These cost-effective eco-tiles offer long-term savings due to their durability and low maintenance, and their lightweight nature reduces transportation and installation costs. Made from recycled and sustainable materials, they minimize the demand for new raw materials. The production process is energy-efficient and low in pollutants. These tiles provide excellent thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption, and are resistant to pests, mold, and mildew, ensuring healthier, sustainable living environments.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Developing Communities: Particularly in African countries, where access to affordable and sustainable building materials is crucial. These communities benefit from the availability of cost-effective roofing solutions that also contribute to local waste management efforts. Local Governments and Municipalities: Authorities seeking effective waste management solutions to reduce landfill use and pollution. This project provides a viable way to repurpose non-recyclable waste, aligning with governmental environmental policies and goals. Construction and Real Estate Companies: Firms in the construction industry looking for innovative, sustainable building materials to meet regulatory standards and consumer demand for green buildings. These companies can leverage the eco-friendly profile of bio-composite tiles to enhance their projects’ marketability.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-02-05

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Faith Okeke, with a background in Chemical Engineering coupled with over three years of hands-on experience in Quality Control within the chemical and petroleum sectors. She thrive on ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of quality and safety. Deeply passionate about advancing responsible production practices that not only meet regulatory standards but also contribute positively to our environment. She believe in making a difference by promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches in every aspect of my work.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

2

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

By recycling hard-to-process waste materials, it prevents contaminants from entering water sources and ecosystems, thereby safeguarding water quality. This solution also supports sustainable sanitation by minimizing the amount of waste sent to landfills, reducing potential groundwater contamination and improving overall environmental health.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The Green Composite Solution contributes to decent work and economic growth by creating employment opportunities through its waste management and recycling initiatives. By formalizing teams that collect and process hard-to-recycle waste, it empowers marginalized groups such as women and youth, enhancing their economic independence and well-being.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The Green Axis solution stimulates innovation by creating new markets for recycled materials and encouraging collaboration between sectors to develop environmentally friendly solutions. By investing in sustainable infrastructure, Green Composite Solution supports economic growth while mitigating environmental impact, laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable industrial sector.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The Green Composite Solution advocates for responsible consumption and production through collecting and recycling hard-to-recycle waste, it reduces the demand for virgin materials, promoting resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. Materials are reused and repurposed, reducing waste generation and conserving natural resources. Additionally, the initiative educates communities on sustainable practices, encouraging mindful consumption and waste reduction

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Green composite solution reduces carbon footprints and conserves resources. It promotes a circular economy by reusing materials, educates communities on sustainable practices, and builds resilience to climate change through effective waste management. By engaging individuals in environmentally conscious behaviors, Green composite solution fosters a sustainable future and contributes significantly to global efforts against climate change.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

3

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

5

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

5

05.08 Justification

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Our primary competitors in the market for GREEN COMPOSITE roofing tiles and sustainable waste management solutions include traditional roofing material manufacturers, who produce conventional roofing materials like asphalt, clay, and concrete tiles and benefit from significant market share and strong brand recognition. Recycling and waste management firms also pose competition, particularly those with advanced technologies for converting non-recyclable waste into usable materials, competing with us for raw materials and market share within the sustainable materials sector. Additionally, construction material innovators, developing innovative building materials that enhance sustainability in construction, including green building materials, energy-efficient solutions, and other eco-friendly construction products, are significant competitors.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, I am passively initiating actions within my workspace to inspire female staff to develop their full potentials. I organize and lead workshops that focus on skills development and business strategies tailored for women. I aim to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where women can thrive and contribute significantly to the community's economic growth.