Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Looped Innovation is a social enterprise creating eco-friendly packaging solutions to combat the global plastic waste crisis. Our packaging options, including paper bags and boxes, which are meticulously crafted from recyclable and biodegradable materials

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Looped Innovation is a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to creating eco-friendly packaging solutions to combat the global plastic waste crisis. Our packaging options, including paper bags and boxes, which are meticulously crafted from recyclable and biodegradable materials. This approach reduces the reliance on single-use plastics and promotes environmental stewardship and local economic impact. we also offer value-added services, such as product packaging customization and graphics design assistance, empowering businesses to enhance their brand perception while adopting sustainable practices. By supporting SMEs in transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives, we help them make a positive environmental and social impact.

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

Plastic pollution poses a profound threat to our planet, contaminating ecosystems, harming wildlife, and jeopardizing human health. Nigeria faces a devastating crisis, with annual flooding incidents directly linked to plastic-clogged drainages. Plastics take centuries to decompose, and a staggering 79% of all plastics produced remain in the environment. Single-use plastics, accounting for 40% of total plastic usage, are a significant contributor to this crisis. To combat this, we are making sustainable packaging solutions readily available, prioritizing end-of-life recyclability. By adopting these eco-friendly packaging options, we can significantly reduce waste, promote a healthier environment, and foster a more resource-efficient system for a better future.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Our sustainable packaging solutions are carefully crafted with a lifecycle approach, minimizing waste and maximizing material circulation. This holistic design significantly reduces businesses' environmental footprint. We also offer: - Customized solutions tailored to meet unique business needs, enabling market differentiation - Expert design assistance as a value-added service, empowering businesses to adopt sustainable practices and enhance their brand reputation Our approach not only supports businesses in reducing their environmental impact but also helps them stand out in the market and build a positive brand image.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Looped Innovation's eco-friendly packaging solutions are designed to serve a diverse range of beneficiaries. Our primary targets include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various industries, event managers organizing conferences, festivals, and weddings, supermarkets and groceries stores seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, and food outlets such as restaurants and cafes. Additionally, our sustainable packaging solutions cater to end consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility and seek eco-friendly options.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-10-03

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Blessing Ekwere, is a dedicated environmental enthusiast, she leverages her expertise in geography and natural resource management to drive sustainable practices. With an impressive track record of over five years in the recycling sector, Blessing has made a significant impact while working as the Head of Operations at Ecobarter. She successfully managed teams leading to teams that have diverted over 900,000 kilograms of waste from landfills through numerous projects, such as community sensitizations, waste management training, and instituting segregated waste collection centers. Inspired by her dedication to a circular economy and just transition, Blessing founded Looped Innovation, a sustainable packaging company crafting eco-friendly solutions to address the lack of sustainable alternatives. By making sustainable options accessible to businesses and individuals, she aims to bridge the gap for a just transition and promote a zero-waste lifestyle.

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

https://loopedinnovation.com.ng/

01.11 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 startup contributes to the No poverty goal

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

By creating eco-friendly packaging solutions from recycled paper, Looped Innovation helps minimize plastic waste, which often ends up polluting the environment and waterways, many communities in Nigeria rely on these waterways for economic activities and drinking water.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Looped Innovation drives local economic growth through domestic manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports and creating jobs for Nigerian residents. By producing eco-friendly packaging solutions locally, we foster self-sufficiency, promote green skills development, thereby stimulating sustainable growth and development.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

3

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Looped Innovation promotes responsible consumption and production by fostering a closed-loop system that leverages recyclable and biodegradable paper for production, significantly reducing waste and championing a circular economy. we are also encouraging businesses and individuals to adopt eco-friendly packaging, we empower them to embrace responsible consumption, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Looped Innovation minimizes waste and reduces the carbon footprint associated with packaging production, promoting eco-friendly habits among businesses and individuals to diminish their environmental impact. We raise awareness about the significance of sustainable practices, inspiring collective action against climate change and contributing to a more resilient future for all.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Looped Innovation minimizes plastic waste, a significant contributor to ocean pollution, thereby protecting marine life. By promoting sustainable practices, we support the conservation of marine resources and reduce the environmental impact of human activities on oceans. Our efforts inspire others to take action, fostering a collective responsibility to protect marine life and ecosystems.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

By using recyclable and biodegradable paper, Looped Innovation promotes sustainable forestry practices, reducing deforestation and habitat destruction. Furthermore, we advocate for responsible land use by campaigning for a reduction in landfills and open dumping of waste across Nigeria, raising awareness about the critical importance of preserving our natural resources

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Looped Innovation collaborates with advocacy groups, recycling companies, and non-profit organizations to raise awareness, promote sustainable practices, and reduce waste. Through these partnerships, we leverage collective expertise, resources, and networks to drive meaningful change in our community.

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

4

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

2

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

2

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

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

4

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Established packaging providers, particularly plastic bag manufacturers, offer cheaper alternatives, while informal artisans provide customized packaging solutions for businesses. However, Looped Innovation distinguishes itself by embracing the principles of a circular economy, Our commitment to designing packaging with recyclability, composability, and sourcing raw materials responsibly enables a more resource-efficient system. We consider the entire lifecycle of our products, from sourcing to end-of-life disposal, minimizing waste generation and maximizing material circulation. This holistic approach positions us as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, offering a unique value proposition that prioritizes the well-being of our planet and its resources.

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