The prize was awarded to EcoX as part of the 9th edition of the Crédito Agrícola Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award
The EcoX biotechnology project was honoured with a BfK Award by ANI as part of the 9th edition of the Crédito Agrícola Entrepreneurship and Innovation Awards. The technology was developed by Ecoxperience, a spin-off from the University of Coimbra, and its added value is the formulation of various cleaning products, namely detergents, which, as well as being 100 per cent biodegradable and vegan, are based on a business model based on the circular economy.
This is a concept that valorises used cooking oil, a waste product that causes serious damage to our homes, the public network, the soil, aquatic environments and the climate. Cooking oil should not be poured down the sink or toilet, but channelled into appropriate collection systems. Eco-friendly projects such as EcoX help to raise awareness of this issue and to collect it both from the public network and from the bins placed in partner shops. The solutions developed, which have already been tested in the laboratory, allow different oils to be used, such as vegetable, peanut, sunflower, soya, corn and olive oil.
What’s more, EcoX makes it possible to reduce the extraction of natural resources to produce the most diverse cleaning products by 50 per cent.
The reuse of EcoX packaging through bulk sales in partner shops is another of the project’s advantages, as it significantly reduces the production of waste related to plastic packaging. Bulk packaging is also a factor in preventing the production of “rubbish”, allowing consumers to choose the amount of product they need, giving up predefined quantities that don’t always correspond to individual or family needs. The project has created packaging made from 50 per cent recycled plastic so that it can be reused several times. Once the packaging has been used, it is sanitised, qualified, refilled and put back on the market.
Ecoxperience’s figures show the reach of this innovative product, which has already made it possible to recycle 24,000 litres of used cooking oil and avoid the use of 113,882 single-use containers. The ecological detergent is sold at 200 points of sale and 257 tonnes have already been sold, mainly in bulk.
“This project has an impact on several levels, such as reducing the use of packaging, encouraging the recycling of used cooking oil, increasing access to information and helping to raise consumer awareness in order to bring about behavioural changes that result in a more sustainable lifestyle in the social, environmental and economic spheres. It is with great pride that the National Innovation Agency honours projects that contribute to a better future,” emphasises João Borga, ANI’s director.
This edition of the Crédito Agrícola Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award, with the motto “The future is born of sustainability”, in line with national and European priorities to support innovation in the sector and with Crédito Agrícola’s strategy, awards prizes in four categories: Digitalisation and Automation; Circular Economy and Sustainable Biotechnology; Food, Nutrition and Health; and Promotion of Innovation.
