Transforming Waste into Opportunity: The Future of Sustainable Materials
Pioneering Circular Economy Solutions to Address the Global Waste Crisis
At the 2024 Climate & Sustainability Leadership Summit, Albert Douer, Chairman and Co-CEO of UBQ Materials, presents a compelling vision for tackling the global waste crisis. His session, “Reimagining Waste: Circular Economy Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” explores how UBQ Materials is turning one of humanity’s biggest challenges—waste—into a renewable resource, thereby shifting the paradigm of environmental sustainability. Douer’s message is simple but powerful: we already have the tools to make a profound impact on waste management, and the time for action is now.
Beyond Plastics: A Holistic View of Waste
Douer begins by reframing the global waste problem, arguing that current environmental efforts disproportionately focus on plastics, overlooking the majority of household waste. “Most people think that all waste is plastic,” he says. “But in reality, food waste, dirty paper, cardboard, and garden trimmings make up a far larger share of what we discard.” These materials, when left to decompose in landfills, generate methane—a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 25 times greater than carbon dioxide.
Douer emphasizes that addressing climate change requires a broader, more inclusive approach to waste. UBQ Materials is pioneering a technology that converts up to 95% of household waste, including organic materials and hard-to-recycle plastics, into a bio-based thermoplastic material. This material, known as UBQ, can directly replace conventional plastics in manufacturing processes, from automotive parts to consumer goods.
“Our solution isn't just about reducing plastic waste,” Douer explains. “We’re talking about a comprehensive approach that utilizes nearly everything we throw away—food scraps, pizza boxes, dirty diapers, and more. UBQ turns these materials into something new, something valuable, and we’re doing it at scale today.”
A Circular Economy in Action
The concept of a circular economy, where products are reused, repaired, or recycled, has long been hailed as the future of sustainability. Yet, as Douer points out, many circular economy solutions remain theoretical or stuck in the pilot phase. UBQ, however, offers a tangible, scalable solution. “We don’t need to wait ten years for this technology. We can—and are—implementing it right now,” he asserts.
UBQ’s innovation lies in its ability to process mixed household waste—including organics and plastics—into a homogeneous material that retains the characteristics of thermoplastics. This means UBQ can be used in existing manufacturing infrastructure without the need for costly modifications. For businesses, this offers an immediate opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing efficiency or increasing costs.
Douer highlights several real-world applications where UBQ is already being used. From retail fixtures and outdoor furniture to automotive components, products made with UBQ are already on the market, demonstrating that waste can be transformed into functional, durable materials. “Imagine your waste bin at home made from the very trash it once held,” he says. “This is the kind of circularity UBQ makes possible.”
Climate Impact: Turning Waste into a Climate Solution
Perhaps the most significant benefit of UBQ is its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Douer explains that UBQ’s process prevents the decomposition of organic waste, which would otherwise emit methane in landfills. Additionally, the material itself is carbon-negative, meaning that its production avoids more emissions than it creates.
“Typical plastics emit between two to five kilograms of CO2 for every kilogram produced,” Douer notes. “In contrast, UBQ’s carbon footprint is negative—around negative 1.02 kilograms of CO2 per kilogram of material. This is a game-changer in an industry where reducing emissions is becoming non-negotiable.”
Douer is also quick to point out that UBQ’s environmental benefits are not just theoretical. Independent third-party audits by organizations like ERM have verified the material’s carbon-negative status, providing businesses with the assurance they need to adopt UBQ in their supply chains. “We want our data to be transparent and reliable. That’s why we have it verified by independent auditors,” Douer emphasizes.
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Economic Viability: Sustainability Without the Premium Price Tag
One of the most common criticisms of environmentally friendly materials is their cost. Many sustainable solutions, while effective, are priced at a premium, making them inaccessible to companies operating in competitive markets. UBQ, however, defies this trend by being cost-competitive with conventional plastics.
“Affordability is key to making a real impact,” Douer asserts. “If a solution is too expensive, it won’t scale, especially in developing markets where cost is a critical factor. UBQ’s material is priced competitively with traditional plastics, which means businesses don’t have to choose between profit and sustainability. They can have both.”
This affordability also extends UBQ’s reach into industries and regions that might otherwise be unable to adopt green technologies. By offering an environmentally friendly alternative that doesn’t come with a price premium, UBQ opens the door to widespread adoption in sectors like construction, automotive, and consumer goods—all of which are critical to reducing global emissions.
Collaboration: A Call to Action for Business Leaders
Douer’s vision for UBQ is not limited to the company’s own operations. He sees UBQ as a catalyst for systemic change, calling on businesses, governments, and consumers to embrace circular economy principles and rethink their approach to waste.
“Every person, every business has a role to play in this,” Douer says. “If you are a retailer, a manufacturer, or even a consumer, you can make a difference by choosing materials that are sustainable. Governments can incentivize these choices by investing in green infrastructure, and consumers can demand better options. We all have the power to push for change.”
UBQ’s success also depends on collaboration across industries. Douer cites partnerships with major corporations like Mercedes and McDonald’s, who have integrated UBQ into their supply chains, as examples of how businesses can lead the charge toward a circular economy. These companies recognize the dual benefits of reducing their environmental impact while meeting the growing consumer demand for sustainable products.
Moving from Concept to Reality
In closing, Douer reiterates that UBQ’s technology is not a future promise but a present reality. With a fully operational commercial plant in the Netherlands and plans to expand into the U.S., UBQ is poised to scale its operations and make a global impact.
“We’ve spent too long talking about sustainability as something that will happen in the future,” Douer says. “At UBQ, we’re doing it now. The technology exists, the products are available, and the benefits are clear. The time for action is today.”
By transforming waste into a valuable resource, UBQ Materials offers a scalable, economically viable solution to one of the most pressing challenges of our time. For business leaders, the message is clear: adopting circular economy practices is not just an environmental imperative—it’s a strategic opportunity for long-term success.
>>> WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE PRESENTATION SESSION HERE:
Thanks for the great session, 1BusinessWorld and Nicole Grubner! We appreciate the opportunity to share how UBQ is transforming household waste into a cost-competitive bio-based thermoplastic composite that can replace conventional plastic and give waste a new life.