In the month the organization celebrates its 13th anniversary, Sasha Bezuhanova, founder of MOVE.BG, has given an interview to Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).
Did you know?
Only 30% of the generated plastic waste in the EU is collected for recycling, according to the European Environment Agency (2018).
What are the solutions?
MOVE.BG`s program “Urban Jungle” has published a special brochure presenting 7 Bulgarian entrepreneurs who develop innovative solutions to global environmental challenges from Bulgaria. The project is part of our initiative for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy after the coronavirus.
Today, we meet you with an innovative project through the eyes of its creator - the Sofia-based startup LAM`ON which develops a biodegradable laminating film for the printing industry. Angela Ivanova, the co-founder of the project, tells us more about LAM`ON.
What are the main problems with fighting against plastic in the print industry?
LAM’ON is targeting plastic waste generated from print lamination and packaging. There are existing alternatives for some of the mass products, but none for exactly these. The strength and durability of those materials can’t really compete with the not-so-ecological solutions on the market, therefore they are being neglected by most consumers.
What is the impact of this challenge in Bulgaria/Europe?
We generate huge amounts of plastic waste that are avoidable. The lamination of print materials, as well as foil packaging of food or cosmetics, have a big impact on the environment but for some reason, this is not a “hot topic” like plastic bags, for instance. There isn’t any actual data for this segment since it is so “invisible” - and it out of the statistics.
What are the solutions?
Better financial support for green innovations and R&D activities for startups. Tendencies show that solutions come more often from developing companies - meaning their progress is being held back by the lack of financing. Surely there is a higher risk of return or even success but otherwise, chances are it won’t happen at all.
What does your project offer?
After two years of research and development, we managed to reach our final recipe for high quality, biodegradable laminating film for print materials as well as packaging foil. Both products are at a very competitive price, with guaranteed strength, and suitable for composting.
What is your motivation to develop an innovative business with a social impact?
Our team was formed very naturally. We were looking for a biodegradable solution in order to use it ourselves. After a few months of research it turned out there isn’t such a product on the market and we couldn’t see a reason why. That’s how we started our long and worthwhile adventure to develop LAM’ON.
Who are the other innovative Bulgarian entrepreneurs and why they have decided to develop green businesses? Download our free brochure "Green Innovators of Bulgaria" here.
For a green restart of the Bulgarian economy
It is time for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy and its transition from resource-intensive industries to green business models. Funds from the EU post-COVID-19 recovery mechanism - “Next Generation EU” as well as those from the Green Deal can help make this transition a successful journey. Therefore, MOVE.BG has initiated a coalition “For a Green Restart” that includes “Greenpeace-Bulgaria”, WWF Bulgaria, “Institute Circular Economy”, and MOVE.BG.
The coalition has brought together over 50 of Bulgaria's leading experts in the fields of green startups and innovation, climate, the circular economy, energy as well as biodiversity, and agriculture. They have generated more than 130 ideas for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy. Read the recommendations here.
