Gwyneth Jong
Co-founder of FabCafe Kuala Lumpur
Gwyneth Jong is the co-founder of FabCafe KL, a pioneering makerspace originally launched as Fabspace in 2016 within Isetan the Japan Store in Kuala Lumpur. In 2019, the space evolved into FabCafe KL, dedicated to empowering the creative community with advanced tools, knowledge, and technology. Under Gwyneth's leadership, FabCafe KL has undertaken notable projects, including the innovative Aape store “Alfa” moss mannequin, crafted entirely from cardboard. The team also specializes in designing and curating sustainable and upcycling workshops for major corporations across Malaysia. Committed to sustainability, FabCafe KL is on a mission to integrate eco-friendly practices into its daily operations, reflecting Gwyneth's vision of fostering creativity while promoting environmental responsibility.
Judge’s selections
Decompose Into The Earth Prize
”Return to the soil” circular sensors
SANKEN, Osaka University
Electronic waste is rising at an alarming rate due to the rapid pace of technological advancement and the lack of proper recycling infrastructure for e waste. Traditional soil sensors which are often made of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials, contribute to the e-waste pollution. In contrast, this biodegradable solution eliminates that concern, aligning perfectly with the principles of a circular economy.
Power To The People Prize
LightEd
LightEd
This project is a brilliant example of how sustainability and social impact can go hand in hand. By recycling materials like plastic bottles and electronic waste, the initiative not only tackles the growing concerns of waste management but also provides a practical solution for marginalized communities. This innovative approach demonstrates how the principles of the circular economy—reusing, recycling, and reducing—can be applied to create real-world solutions that benefit people and the planet.
Turning Waste Into Resource Prize
Natural paper from fallen leaves
Releaf Paper France SAS
This project strikes a cord for me because I always come across the gardeners who take care of the parks and roads in our local area, producing bag after bag of fallen leaves destined to be thrown away. It is always disturbing for me to see it, because fallen leaves are not trash, and if they are left to decompose , they can be great for nourishing the soil. But, of course, in modern society, fallen leaves can be considered unsightly. This is why I'm particularly excited to see how this abundance of waste can be transformed into a valuable resource. By turning fallen leaves into paper, the initiative not only reduces leaf waste but also provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper production, which often relies on cutting down trees and harmful chemicals. This process highlights the potential of nature-based solutions to support sustainability and reduce environmental impact. Furthermore, it’s a creative and practical application of the circular economy, where organic materials are repurposed, helping to preserve natural resources while promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Reusable Assets System Prize
CIRCULAR ERP
sykell GmbH
No matter how much we try to bring a reusable coffee cup with us for our takeway drinks, there will always be days where we fail to do so. This system's ability to track reusable assets provides valuable data that can drive meaningful change, helping to reduce consumption and improve recycling efforts. What truly excites me is the potential for this technology to be applied beyond plastics, offering a scalable solution to monitor and manage other waste streams. By expanding this approach to other materials, we can develop a comprehensive system to track, reduce, and ultimately eliminate waste across industries, fostering a more sustainable and circular economy. A truly innovative and impactful solution!
Waste As A Resource Prize
Woola
Woola OÜ
By repurposing a byproduct, Woola not only reduces waste but also replaces harmful plastic with a biodegradable, renewable material. This solution aligns perfectly with the principles of the circular economy, turning excess materials into valuable resources. It's exciting to see how industries like wool production can contribute to reducing environmental impact while providing functional alternatives for packaging. This project exemplifies creativity in sustainability and offers a promising model for other industries to follow in adopting circular practices.