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The Eco Challenge competition on green solutions for the hospitality sector crowned three winning teams

Laos
Green cities
09.12.2023
Swisscontact, in collaboration with Makerbox, organized an Eco Challenge on December 9, 2023 at the Laotel Hotel in Vientiane Capital under the Waste to Value project. The Eco Challenge is a competition which accelerates local innovative ideas into physical prototypes. This Eco Challenge will catalyze the design and development of sustainable green solutions for Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafes (HORECA).  The Waste to Value project is implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE).
Team of judges for the Eco Challenge event on December 9, 2023, at the Laotel hotel

The Eco Challenge attracted nine teams that showcased a diverse range of local solutions, including Varier Glass Bottle Water—a sustainable bottling solution for HORECA as an alternative to plastic bottles; Precious Plastic Project—souvenir items and decorations made from recycled plastic caps; Mai Two Too—furniture and decorations crafted from used chopsticks; Green Dishes—cups, plates, and cutlery made from pressed leaves and cassava flour; Future Food Fertilizer—on-site system turning food waste into biogas; E-Bike Laos—e-bicycles for food delivery services and hotel guests; Fertilizer Lover—on-site food waste solution for compost production; Believe—reusable food wraps made from Beeswax; and Bagasse Cup of Coffee - Compostable coffee cups and lids made from sugarcane residue. 

The Eco products from nine competition teams  

The pitch day competition of the Eco Challenge unfolded intensely over four hours, culminating in the announcement of the three winning teams: Precious Plastic Project, Green Dishes, and E-Bike Laos. These winning teams will have the opportunity to pilot, test, and improve their products and services in collaboration with hospitality businesses.

The three winning teams, from left to right: Precious Plastic Project, E-Bike Laos, and Green Dishes

Furthermore, the event featured enthusiastic participants who came to cheer for their teams – both in person and online. The Eco Challenge not only celebrated local innovation but also fostered a sense of community and shared commitment to a greener future in the realm of hospitality.

Swisscontact‘s Waste to Value project is implemented with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) and financed by the Canton Basel-City, City of Zurich and Däster-Schild Foundation, among other donors. The project is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA. 

Resources:

Livestream recording: https://www.facebook.com/fm90laos/videos/374509694993324

Application poster:

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=319217910860437&set=a.135758082539755

Mechanics of the Eco Challenge: https://bit.ly/3uni6UB

Event poster: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=746126880884901&set=a.598450565652534

 

This project is financed by the Canton Basel-City, City of Zurich and Däster-Schild Foundation, among other donors. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA. 

Laos
Green cities
Waste to Value
Swisscontact's Waste to Value project strengthens the environmental performance in service sector SMEs (hotels, restaurants, cafés and mini-marts) by improving their waste management practices and access to green products. The project further strengthens business operations and improves workplace safety for informal waste pickers increasing their income and quality of livelihood. This is complemented with awareness raising among service sector SMEs and the wider population along with encouraging public-private consultation meetings in the Lao PDR in line with national and municipal government strategies.
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