Evergreen Labs to build plastic waste recycling center in Danang
Evergreen Labs (EGL), based in Da Nang, is an impact-focused company builder and consulting organization. Over the past 4 years, they have worked in three main sectors, namely agriculture, tourism, and waste management.
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| At the signing ceremony. |
In 2016, Evergreen Labs’ involvement in the waste sector was initiated through community engagement work such as clean-ups, environmental talks and workshops . In 2017, their team with diverse professional backgrounds (engineering, science, finance, marketing) innovated and developed a replicable waste processing model branded ‘ ReForm Plastic ’.
The vision is to give all plastic waste value through simple, affordable processing. This approach can dramatically reduce the amount of waste polluting the environment while creating jobs and micro businesses. In early 2019, EGL established a first research and development ReForm center in Danang (Vietnam) supported by Asian Development Bank, Mekong Business Initiative and Exo Foundation. This center has allowed EGL to develop material compositions, innovate new products, improve production and raise awareness about waste issues.
Following the successful implementation of the research center , EGL plans to establish a research pilot of the ReForm Center at the former Khanh Son landfill (Hoa Khanh Nam ward, Lien Chieu district, Da Nang city) in the collaboration with Da Nang Urban Environment Joint-stock company in 2020. This pilot aims to become a strong proof-of-concept for a plug-in model for small and medium sized landfills , where ReForm sets up a value-added waste management system with a circular approach that tackles the challenges of overloaded landfills and isolated community without adequate access to municipal waste treatment.
To lay the foundation of this research pilot, on Tuesday 17 December 2019 , Evergreen Labs and Da Nang Urban Environment Joint-stock company signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly submit a proposal to Da Nang city. Under this proposal, a 550sqm research pilot ReForm center will be established with an initial capacity of 900 tonnes of product per year.
By processing currently non recycled plastic waste (incl. food containers, plastic bags, snack wrappers, straws, cups, etc.) into valuable products (boards and sheets for wood replacement in furniture and construction industry), ReForm can offer alternative and clean waste treatment solution instead of landfilling or incineration which result in toxic leakage an/or fumes. When fully operational, this 12-month research pilot will establish a fully proven and replicable waste model with sustainable operations initiated and supported by Da Nang city.
After signing the MoU, the parties will submit the full proposal of the project to the City’s People’s Committee, including an environmental protection plan. Updates on the progress of this pilot project will be available on our media and social networks.
