Business Design, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Uncategorized

Rethinking Food Packaging: How ERGO and GIZ Are Tackling Plastic Pollution in Egypt

Last week, ERGO teamed up with GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), Lab of Tomorrow and Youthinkgreen Egypt to lead an innovation sprint that took aim at one of our planet’s biggest challenges: plastic pollution. Together, we focused on reimagining food packaging with sustainable solutions that could reshape how Egypt tackles waste and reduce our environmental impact. 

Why We Need to Act Now

Plastic is suffocating the planet. With every product wrapped in single-use packaging, the waste is piling up. But it doesn’t have to be this way. This innovation sprint explored real-world solutions that could change the way we package, consume, and think about food. From reducing emissions to improving recyclability, the ideas we explored aren’t just about fixing a broken system—they’re about building a more sustainable future.

Breakthrough Ideas from the Sprint

1. Plant-Based Bioplastics

One of the most promising concepts was the use of plant-based bioplastics, made from renewable resources like corn, sugarcane, and even algae. These biodegradable materials offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. While they’re pricier for now, new EU regulations banning non-biodegradable plastics make them a smart move for Egypt’s food export market. The best part? These materials break down naturally, leaving no harmful residues. A true step forward in the fight against plastic waste. 

2. Reusable Packaging

Another innovation focused on bringing back the practice of reusable packaging. Imagine buying your favorite food in containers that you return, refill, and reuse. This model taps into Egypt’s own history, where people in rural areas have long brought their own bags and containers to buy groceries. This circular approach not only cuts down on single-use plastics but also reshapes how we think about waste and consumption.

3. Boosting the Recycling Market

A third venture aimed to strengthen Egypt’s recycling ecosystem. They’re building a platform to connect plastic waste suppliers and buyers, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality recycled materials. By training the informal sector in better sorting and processing methods, this initiative not only reduces plastic waste but also improves the livelihoods of waste collectors, creating social and environmental impact.

Turning Ideas into Action

The solutions uncovered during this sprint are a reminder of what’s possible when passionate people come together to solve big problems. We owe a huge thanks to GIZ and Lab of Tomorrow for their commitment to sustainability and collaboration. These ideas are more than just concepts—they’re actionable steps that could lead to real change in how we approach food packaging.

At ERGO, we believe the future of packaging is sustainable, and we’ll continue to support ventures that challenge the status quo. Together, we can make sustainable packaging the standard, not the exception.