Ecoworks
Ecoworks has developed an innovative solution to tackle the growing problem of single-use plastic waste, particularly in the home care and personal care sectors. Their project involves the deployment of automated refill stations where consumers can refill containers with eco-friendly products, significantly reducing the need for new plastic bottles. These stations will be strategically located in high-traffic areas across Singapore, including Housing & Development Board (HDB) residential areas and community centers. The initiative also incorporates a 5-in-1 social program, providing free refills to low-income families. With a successful pilot already in place, the project is ready for broader implementation. ABIC funding will support the design, construction, and deployment of refill stations, along with educational campaigns to raise awareness and gather feedback for further improvement.
Institute of Technology of Cambodia
The Institute of Technology Cambodia (ITC) is developing an eco- friendly filter system to remove microplastics from seawater used in sea salt farms. This innovation addresses the critical issue of microplastic contamination in food, which poses health risks. Using sustainable materials like coconut coir, abundant in Cambodia, the filter system supports local businesses while promoting environmental sustainability. The project aims to improve the quality of sea salt and contribute to public health by reducing microplastic contamination. Initial funding will support research, prototype development, testing, and installation in targeted study areas.
River Ocean Cleanup Organization
The River Ocean Clean Up Organization (ROC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to tackling marine plastic pollution in Cambodia’s waterways, focusing on the Mekong, Tonlé Sap, and Bassac rivers. Their innovative Marine Plastic Action Center (MPAC) integrates waste management with community-driven cleanup efforts. The MPAC collects, sorts, and processes plastic waste, turning recyclable materials into new products and co-processing non-recyclable waste. By training locals as Marine Plastic Busters (MPBs), ROC creates employment opportunities while promoting environmental stewardship. With a current capacity to process 10-15 tons of waste monthly, ROC aims to expand to 60 tons through scaling efforts. Funding will support MPAC construction, staff training, partnerships for waste processing, and community engagement activities.
Duitin
Duitin’s project seeks to transform waste management in rural Java, Indonesia, through the Tradisi platform, which connects local communities with waste banks. By leveraging technology and real-time data management, Tradisi improves waste collection, monitoring, and reporting, ultimately reducing marine pollution and diverting waste from landfills. The platform is scalable and adaptable, making it an innovative solution for enhancing waste management in rural areas. ABIC funding will support incorporating real-time monitoring of waste bank activities into its digital solution, onboarding and training of local trainers, and project implementation applying the enhanced software capability.
Parongpong RAW Lab
Parongpong RAW Lab addresses the problem of ocean-bound plastic pollution by transforming ghost nets into sustainable construction materials called Prototiles, using their proprietary Prototech™ process. In collaboration with coastal communities in Pangandaran, Pemalang, and Untung Jawa, Parongpong RAW Lab empowers locals by purchasing collected ghost nets at a higher price, providing economic benefits. Prototiles offer a lightweight, durable alternative to traditional materials like gypsum and granite, making them ideal for sustainable construction while reducing marine plastic pollution. Funding will support R&D, machinery procurement, material processing, and the testing and marketing of Prototiles.
Econox Laos
Econox Laos is tackling microplastic pollution in water bodies by developing a microplastic filter specifically for washing machines in the hospitality sector. Building on their Plastic Free Laos Label initiative, which raised awareness and promoted green practices among SMEs, this project aims to capture microplastics released during laundry before they reach sewage systems and natural water resources. The initiative also includes capacity-building activities, data collection on pollution, and a pilot implementation of the filter in hospitality businesses. ABIC funding will support the development, testing, and community engagement efforts surrounding this innovative solution.
Nikola Inventor Technology and Innovation Lao
Nikola’s Nature Ware project addresses the environmental impact of styrofoam and single-use plastics in the hotels, restaurants, and catering sector by developing biodegradable plates and containers made from tree leaves and plant materials. Their innovation lies in creating eco-friendly, fully compostable products from materials like rice straw, sugar cane reed, and bamboo sheaths. By building their own press, the team is able to manufacture these sustainable alternatives, with ongoing R&D efforts focused on enhancing product strength and appeal. The project also embraces a circular economy by buying back used plates to convert into fertilizer. Funding will be directed towards scaling production, expanding product lines, and reaching new markets locally and internationally.
Print Squares
Print Squares is tackling Vientiane’s growing plastic waste problem by transforming single-use Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles into 3D printing filament. This circular economy initiative not only addresses environmental challenges but also creates sustainable products for the 3D printing industry. With plans to scale operations to process up to one ton of PET plastic per month, Print Squares will convert waste into filament for construction materials, machinery parts, and other products, providing economic opportunities for local communities. The ABIC funding will support equipment acquisition, production testing, and the development of a delivery network for these innovative products.
Daly Trading
Daly Trading’s Chipt project introduces a reusable container service aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste in the takeaway coffee and boba tea industry across Southeast Asia, starting in Malaysia. Chipt operates on a subscription model using RFID/NFC and QR code technology to track and manage reusable cups, which customers can borrow and return at participating cafes and restaurants. This system promotes sustainable consumption, reduces plastic waste, and supports the transition to a circular economy. ABIC funding will be used for Amazon Web Services migration, WebApp upgrades, integration with payment platforms, and the distribution of RFID-, NFC- and QR-enabled cups across 10 locations.
Midwest Composites
Midwest is addressing plastic pollution in ASEAN countries, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, by transforming marine plastic waste into recyclable plastic composites for consumer goods. By integrating agricultural waste with plastics such as PET, PS, and HDPE, Midwest provides a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. This innovative solution not only repurposes harmful waste but also offers materials with comparable physical and mechanical properties to raw plastics, contributing to marine ecosystem preservation. ABIC funding will support material development, prototype creation, and product evaluation through physical and mechanical testing.
Riiicycle Tech
Riiicycle Tech is revolutionizing waste collection and recycling in Malaysia through its mobile app and IoT technologies. Since its launch in 2020, the company has grown steadily in Penang and now seeks to expand its innovative waste management system to Kuala Lumpur and Johor, with future plans for Thailand and Indonesia. The project aims to establish 100 new collection points and attract 50,000 users, addressing challenges in waste management infrastructure and public participation. ABIC funding will support the setup of collection infrastructure, a marketing campaign, and formalizing and training informal waste sector workers, contributing to a more efficient circular economy in Southeast Asia.
Myanmar Ocean Project
The Myanmar Ocean Project (MOP) implements the MOP DROP initiative, a floating pontoon strategically placed in the Myeik Archipelago to prevent the discarding of end-of-life fishing gear. This accessible drop-off point for fishers, located in sheltered bays, reduces ocean plastic pollution and protects marine biodiversity by providing a convenient way to dispose of old nets. The project aims to prevent abandoned fishing gear from damaging marine habitats while fostering healthier ecosystems and improving coastal livelihoods. ABIC funding will support the construction and installation of the pontoon, along with education, training, and community engagement initiatives.
PCX Solutions
PCX Solutions is developing an Alternative Materials Certificate (AMC) to incentivize industries and businesses to adopt sustainable materials in place of single-use plastics. This initiative is particularly relevant in the Philippines, where new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation requires industries to recover 40% of their plastic usage. The AMC mechanism bridges the gap between environmental benefits and financial challenges associated with transitioning to sustainable materials. This market-driven approach aims to reduce plastic pollution and foster sustainable production practices. ABIC funding will support the development of an eligibility framework for the AMC and resources for piloting it with partner companies in consultation with the government.
Rezbin
Rezbin, a waste management company based in the Philippines, is tackling improper waste disposal through their innovative Rezbin App, which gamifies recycling. By integrating a gaming system into 20 of their 76 drop-off points, Rezbin encourages users to earn points by depositing recyclables, which can then be used to claim dynamic rewards. Targeting youth and communities, the project aims to drive long-term behavioral change in waste management by combining convenience, education, and entertainment. ABIC funding will support the app’s development, including designing the new features, creating graphic assets, and hiring personnel for app management and community engagement.
Alterpacks
Alterpacks is tackling marine plastic pollution by developing home compostable and marine degradable materials made from agricultural waste, specifically coconut shells. Their innovative bio-composite materials aim to replace traditional plastics in medical waste management, starting with medical waste bins and kidney trays. By utilizing locally sourced organic waste, Alterpacks reduces environmental impact while fostering economic growth in Indonesia and potentially across Southeast Asia. The project will unfold in two phases: first, replacing plastic medical containers, and then expanding to other regions and use cases. ABIC funding will support strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, market research, regulatory assessment, and initial deployment in Indonesian medical facilities.
Plastify
Plastify is tackling plastic waste in Singapore by transforming materials collected from coastal clean-ups into functional, aesthetically pleasing furniture. The project consolidates plastic waste from various sources—including hospitals, schools, hotels, and public donations—and recycles it into slabs and furniture items like coffee tables and public benches. Plastify not only focuses on reducing plastic waste but also encourages community involvement through workshops and public displays of the finished products. ABIC funding will support the purchase of new machinery, enabling Plastify to scale production and create larger, more durable furniture prototypes. The funding will also support coordination with coastal clean-up groups, machinery procurement and testing, and collaboration with design students to produce coastal plastic furniture.
EcoThailand
EcoThailand’s Aerial Recon and Recovery Initiative (ARRI) addresses the critical issue of Abandoned, Lost, or Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), which threatens marine ecosystems. In the next six months, ARRI plans to conduct six cleanup missions targeting ALDFG hotspots identified through aerial surveys using uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with high-resolution cameras and GPS technology. These missions will focus on safeguarding marine habitats and reducing risks to marine animals. Additionally, a pilot program will be launched to recycle the recovered ALDFG, assessing feasibility and establishing partnerships with recycling facilities. Workshops will also be organized for local fisher communities and marine conservation organizations, providing training on the safe disposal of ALDFG and promoting a culture of environmental stewardship.
AirX Carbon
NetZero Pallets by AirX Carbon presents a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges posed by traditional wooden and plastic pallets. By transforming agricultural waste such as rice, coffee, and coconut husks into biodegradable pallets, this innovation reduces deforestation and plastic pollution while addressing waste management. The pallets are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective and space-efficient, providing a transformative logistics solution. With an established partnership with a global agricultural commodity trader, AirX Carbon aims to expand material testing and production capacity to revolutionize the pallet industry and contribute to a greener global supply chain. ABIC funding will support machinery acquisition, facility expansion, marketing campaigns, and certification processes including the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and USDA Certified Bio based Product labels.
BUYO Bioplastics
BUYO Bioplastics develops biodegradable materials from bio-waste, using proprietary fermentation technology to convert rice husks and plant waste into eco-friendly bioplastics. These materials match conventional plastic in performance, with applications in packaging, medical, cosmetic, and industrial products, while promoting sustainability and a circular economy in Vietnam.
