Key points
- Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN) is championing Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) to help solve plastic waste.
- Ventures that prioritise GEDSI are better positioned to meet the needs of customers and navigate social and environmental challenges.
- Ventures like UpGreen and Print Square incorporate GEDSI to drive business and benefit local communities.
Think about Star Trek’s vision of a united federation, where differences drive progress, and inclusivity builds a stronger future. Now imagine applying that to plastic waste. When it comes to plastic waste, there are no borders, no frontiers left unexplored.
For over three years, the Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN) has boldly worked with partners across the globe to empower ventures, bridging the gap between research, entrepreneurship, and investment.
The mission? To rewrite the plastic lifecycle and build a circular economy. One where waste becomes opportunity.
But much like the best sci-fi epics, innovation alone won’t solve this challenge. We need something deeper. A focus on people.
We champion an inclusive and diverse approach called GEDSI into business models. GEDSI stand for integrating Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion. By adopting this model, we can craft solutions that are sustainable and equitable, ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against plastic pollution.
The power of GEDSI
GEDSI is an approach that seeks to ensure gender equality, disability inclusivity. It aims to create social inclusion across all aspects of society and business.
It is grounded in the principle of “leaving no one behind,” which is a cornerstone of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
By considering the diverse needs of different social groups, especially those who are marginalised, businesses can develop more inclusive and effective solutions to global challenges like plastic waste.
Inclusivity in practice
IPPIN has empowered multiple start-ups in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia to implement solutions to end plastic waste through its innovation programs.
One example is UpGreen Vietnam. This sustainability-driven enterprise focused on transforming recycled plastics into stylish and eco-friendly products, including home decor and lifestyle items.
By merging traditional Vietnamese lacquer craftsmanship with modern design and technology, UpGreen creates solutions that celebrate Vietnam’s rich heritage and contributes to reducing plastic waste.
The impact of UpGreen’s work extends well beyond its environmental benefits. This women-led start-up has created 5000 jobs in the plastic waste management industry and in the traditional Vietnamese lacquer craft sector. Based in the Binh Duong province, their workforce is 80 per cent women, and 12 per cent of their employees are people with disabilities.
Fostering a safe sustainable industry for generations
UpGreen ensures equal working conditions across its workforce. They are working with their vendors to implement safety policies to protect workers during the plastic processing stages.
Additionally, UpGreen provides educational opportunities through its Green Education Program to foster behavioural change from an early age. Offering equal learning opportunities for children across Vietnam, the program operates in remote and rural areas of Northern Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City. It engages children with interactive learning games that focus on recycling, waste sorting, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
UpGreen Vietnam also hosts impactful workshops for students, young professionals, and community members interested in environmental sustainability. These workshops offer valuable insights into eco-friendly production materials, green solutions, and sustainable living practices. Participants learn about advancements in the recycled plastics industry and explore innovative approaches under the theme: Green Your Life.
Through these initiatives, UpGreen is committed to promoting a green living ethos and inspiring a broader audience to shape a sustainable future.
Transforming plastic bottles into valuable new products
Another leading example of GEDSI in action is Laotian start-up Print Square. They are addressing plastic waste management by transforming discarded plastic bottles into reusable materials, including 3D printing filament and prosthetics for Lao land mind victims.
Laos generates 70 tons of plastic waste each day. Part of this comes from the millions of plastic drinking water bottles discarded daily. Landfills are overflowing with non-degradable plastics. Waterways are clogged with plastic. Roadsides and public spaces are defaced by a ‘throw-away’ culture.
Print Square hope to use discarded plastic (PET) bottles to create a synthetic filament for 3D printing to create various products. These include construction materials, furniture, and other daily-use items offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional manufacturing methods.
The project’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its plan to use this recycled plastic for creating prosthetics for land mine victims in Laos.
By recycling plastic waste into practical materials, Print Square is reducing the environmental burden on landfills and waterways and contributing positively to underserved communities.
The project's focus on reducing plastic pollution directly benefits vulnerable populations who are disproportionately impacted by contaminated water sources and the harmful by-products of burning plastic waste.
Furthermore, Print Square operates under a GEDSI framework. The company fosters an inclusive workspace, encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds with the necessary skills, regardless of formal education, to contribute meaningfully to the project. This open and respectful environment aligns with GEDSI principles, promoting equal opportunities and supporting marginalised groups.
By integrating these values into their operations, Print Square is working towards social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
Why ventures should adopt a GEDSI lens
Incorporating a GEDSI lens into ventures can help to drive progress. Here are our top reasons why you should incorporate them too.
Aligning with global goals
Adopting a GEDSI approach aligns ventures with global sustainability frameworks, such as the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals. This enhances the social impact of the venture and opens opportunities for funding and partnerships with organisations that prioritise inclusive development.
Enhancing innovation and effectiveness
By incorporating diverse perspectives, ventures can develop more innovative and effective solutions. For example, understanding the unique needs of women and people with disabilities can lead to the creation of products and services that are more user-friendly and accessible, which in turn can increase adoption and impact.
Building resilience
Socially inclusive ventures are more resilient because they draw on the strengths and insights of a broader range of stakeholders. This resilience is crucial in the face of complex challenges like plastic waste, which requires multifaceted solutions.
Driving long-term success
Ventures that prioritise gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion are more likely to achieve long-term success. This is because they are better positioned to meet the needs of a diverse customer base and to navigate the social and environmental challenges that are increasingly shaping the global market.