Eco-business shift

How to turn environmental solutions into the top choice for businesses through strategic planning and technological innovation? This is a question currently being pondered by many social enterprises and young talents in China.

Wang Fayou, a 34-year-old graduate from East China University of Science and Technology, developed an interest in environmental protection during his university years through an internship experience teaching elementary students about eco-friendly themes.

During his first job in the textile and apparel industry after graduation, Wang learned for the first time that recycled plastic bottles and textiles could be transformed into yarn applications.

The demand from numerous foreign clothing brand clients for the use of recycled yarn sparked his desire to engage in sustainable materials work.

In 2021, Wang joined Goodcycle Environment Technologies, a Chinese environmental startup established in 2017, to delve into the research and development of new recycled materials and products.

Similar to Wang, Wu Liqi, one of the co-founders of Goodcycle, developed a belief in entrepreneurial aspirations for the environmental industry during her work in related fields when she saw many ways to make traditional business more environmentally friendly. But it wasn't her place as an employee to initiate the change so she decided to start her own business and be the solution herself.

"The more business I make, the more bottles I save. To me, that's a perfect business model," she said.

Goodcycle has established the "Recycle-Traceability-R&D" recycled polyester industrial chain, transforming discarded plastics into well-designed, high-quality products through technological innovation.

"The research and development cycle for new recycled materials is lengthy, and the process is extremely intricate. However, the significance of our efforts lies in replacing virgin materials with recycled ones, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the improvement of the Earth's environment," said Wang.

To help consumers better identify the source of waste and improve environmental awareness, Goodcycle also includes detailed information on each recycled product's label, specifying the material, its composition percentage, and its volume in terms of a lifestyle product. For instance, their recycled polyester sports T-shirts are crafted entirely from PET plastic bottles, while their recycled mugs are composed of 30 percent Americano coffee grounds.

"Despite the environmental challenges presented by technological development, it also holds the potential to create more advanced environmental solutions," Wang said. He added that, with the maturation of environmental awareness and human ingenuity, a harmonious balance between technology and environmental protection can be ultimately achieved.

Contact the writer at wangyuting@i21st.cn