Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

UPCYCLA tackles the problem of plastic pollution and carbon emissions by transforming plastic waste into useful lubricant grease that is suitable for general-purpose automotive and industrial applications.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem. It is estimated that over 400 million tons of plastic waste are generated globally and only 9% are recycled. The remaining materials end up in landfills, and oceans, with negative consequences on people and the planet. Our solution is a sustainable and efficient Chemical Upcycling Technology that transforms plastic waste into useful general-purpose grease suitable for major automotive and industrial applications. Here is how it works: Through our collection centers, we receive plastic waste from registered individuals and groups in exchange for rewards. We then sort and reduce the size of the plastic materials. Afterward, we place the plastic waste material and other additives into a reactor based on our unique formulation for selective and targeted reactions to make grease. The finished product is then distributed to our clients in the automotive and manufacturing industries.

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

The main problem we are trying to solve is plastic pollution. Plastic waste production has seen an explosive rise, with estimates suggesting over 400 million tons produced globally each year. This staggering amount poses a significant challenge, as only around 9% of plastic gets recycled. The remaining plastic ends up in landfills, burnt, or worse - our oceans. The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching. It contributes to carbon emissions, resource depletion, and air pollution. Marine life faces a constant threat from entanglement and ingestion of plastic debris. Plastic pollution also has significant economic and social implications. Tourism industries suffer, and microplastics raise concerns about potential impacts on human health. At UPCYCLA Technologies, we are committed to building a circular economy for plastic waste through the Plastic2Grease project. The aim is to eliminate plastic waste through upcycling to ensure a healthier planet for generations to come.

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

1. Eco-friendly: for every 5000 kilograms of grease sold, over 50 kilograms of plastic waste is used up; preventing the emission of over 470 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent. 2. Affordability: through our innovative upcycling process, we have been able to make our grease to be available at competitive rates for every prospective customer. 3. Excellent Quality: UPCYCLA GREASE is suitable for general purpose automotive and industrial applications and provides lubrication over wide operating temperature range, good resistance to water washout , extra protection against rust and corrosion, excellent structural stability.

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

1. Manufacturing Companies: Factories involved in metalworking, machinery, and automotive parts production that require lubrication for machinery and equipment. 2. Construction companies needing grease for heavy machinery like excavators, bulldozers, and cranes. 3. Companies operating mining and quarrying equipment that require regular lubrication in harsh environments. 4. Shipping companies and shipyards requiring grease for various applications on vessels, such as winches and deck equipment. 5. Companies in the oil and gas sector needing lubricants for drilling rigs and other equipment. 6. Power plants requiring grease for turbines, generators, and other machinery. 7. Automotive service centers that perform routine maintenance and lubrication on vehicles. 8. Transportation companies operating fleets of buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles. 9. Car and vehicle manufacturers potentially interested in using eco-friendly grease for assembly lines or factory equipment.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-12-23

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

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

We have only one owner for now.

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

https://www.facebook.com/upcycla

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

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By partnering with waste collectors, prioritizing female-run groups and youth initiatives, we facilitate income injection into underserved communities. This empowers women, youth, and local economies in the fight against poverty.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

5

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

Good Health and Well-being: UPCYCLA tackles plastic pollution, a hidden threat to health. Microplastics or tiny plastic fragments, pollute our oceans and infiltrate the food chain. By diverting plastic waste, UPCYCLA helps reduce microplastic exposure, potentially improving public health by lowering the risk of ingesting harmful chemicals. Cleaner communities with less plastic waste also improve sanitation and reduce disease spread. Additionally, UPCYCLA's activities help reduce the burning of plastic waste in open dumps. This prevents the emission of toxic gases, ensuring cleaner air for everyone.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

UPCYCLA champions gender equality by: 1. Hiring women across all levels: We actively seek women for many strategic positions, from leadership roles to production, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. 2. Empowering female entrepreneurs: at UPCYCLA, we prioritize partnership with female-run waste collection groups to source materials. This injects income into under-served communities and supports female leadership in the waste management sector.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

By diverting plastic waste from landfills, UPCYCLA can potentially reduce plastic leaching into soil and water sources.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

We partner with waste collectors, prioritizing female-run groups, to source materials. This creates new jobs in waste collection and sorting, while also boosting the local economy. UPCYCLA also employs people across various functions, offering opportunities for growth and economic participation. This two-pronged approach fosters decent work and economic development in communities often hit hard by limited job prospects.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: UPCYCLA's innovative technology is redefining plastic waste management. By diverting plastic waste from landfills and transforming it into valuable grease, UPCYCLA goes beyond cleanup and builds a sustainable future. Our technology requires specialized equipment and processes, promoting investment in sustainable infrastructure for waste collection, sorting, and upcycling facilities. This creates new industries and jobs in green engineering, research, and plant operation. By inspiring others to adopt similar approaches, UPCYCLA is paving the way for a more sustainable future with a robust green economy.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Sustainable Cities and Communities: In urban areas, UPCYCLA can help manage plastic waste more effectively, promoting cleaner cities.

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

UPCYCLA directly addresses this goal by diverting plastic waste from landfills and incineration, promoting resource efficiency and creating a circular economy for plastic.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By reducing reliance on virgin plastic production and potentially lowering plastic's lifecycle emissions, UPCYCLA's grease can contribute to mitigating climate change.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

By diverting plastic waste from entering the oceans, UPCYCLA helps protect marine ecosystems and wildlife from plastic pollution.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Plastic debris harms animals, and UPCYCLA reduces this threat by diverting plastic waste from the environment. Additionally, our focus on responsible waste management helps prevent littering that contaminates soil. This ensures quality arable land for food security, contributing to the protection of life on land.

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

3

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

UPCYCLA can potentially partner with governments and NGOs to achieve the SDGs related to plastic pollution.

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

5

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

5

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

6

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

5

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

3

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

6

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

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

1. Waste Plastic as Raw Material: This innovative approach diverts plastic waste and creates a valuable product (grease) . 2. Upcycling Process: a novel approach in converting plastic waste to high-quality lubricant grease. 3. Performance Potential: Upcycla's eco-grease offer's advantages like extreme temperature resistance and longer lubrication intervals, setting it apart from traditional lubricant grease. 4. Environmental Sustainability: Upcycla's eco-grease is formulated with a focus on reducing environmental impact, potentially through using waste materials and promoting a shift away from virgin materials

06.09 Competitive Analysis

1. Independent lubricant manufacturers specializing in various industrial and automotive greases. 2. Recycled Lubricant Manufacturers: Companies that re-refine or re-manufacture used oil into lubricants, potentially including some greases. 3. Bio-Based Lubricant Manufacturers: Companies developing and producing lubricants derived from renewable resources like vegetable oils. Why UPCYCLA is different: a. Cost-Effectiveness: Upcycla's eco-grease is priced competitively compared to traditional lubricants to gain traction in the market. b. Environmental Awareness: As environmental concerns grow, companies and consumers increasingly seek sustainable products. Upcycla's eco-grease leverages this trend to communicate the environmental benefits.

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

Yes. Upcycla champions female leadership in the waste management sector by prioritizing partnerships with female-run waste collection groups. This multi-pronged approach empowers women entrepreneurs in several ways: 1. Economic Empowerment: Upcycla provides these groups with a stable income source through reliable waste collection partnerships. This injects income into underserved communities and fosters financial independence for women entrepreneurs. 2. Leadership Opportunities: By partnering with female-run groups, Upcycla challenges traditional gender roles and creates opportunities for women to take on leadership positions within the waste management