Strengthening Social Enterprise Economic Resilience through Development Support: Trash for Trade
A 4-part blog series about the aspirations of early-stage start-ups and their journey with the HackaDev Economic Resilience Coaching Programme, authored by Ms. Kithmini Nissanka and Ms. Michali Martyn of Citra Social Innovation Lab.
The recent economic crisis in Sri Lanka took a heavy toll on the SME sector, once again placing many enterprises that had just begun to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in a familiar, vulnerable position. In light of the socio-economic context brought about by the crisis, the HackaDev Economic Resilience Coaching Programme (ERCP) was initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka to offer supportive measures to early-stage start-ups at this critical juncture and equip them with the tools and skills to achieve economic resilience. The programme provides comprehensive development support through mentorship, incubation, and financial assistance for start-ups to effectively respond to challenges, counter the impact felt by the crisis and upend the status quo through transformative adaptation.
Following a selection process, eight enterprises who were selected for the programme thus began their 6-month-long incubation journey. Fast-forward to today, these eight groups, who through hard work and dedication, have come a long way and emerged as successful registered businesses.
This is the story of Trash for Trade and its journey with the HackaDev Economic Resilience Coaching Programme.
In the picturesque town of Batticaloa, a remarkable social enterprise going by the name of ‘Trash for Trade’ is rewriting the narrative on waste management. With a steadfast focus on upcycling plastics, this group of ingenious minds has hatched a brilliant concept: the conversion of discarded PET bottles into high-quality 3D printing material. What sets Trash for Trade apart is their ingenuity in crafting a machine that breathes new life into PET bottles, seamlessly transforming them into the building blocks for 3D printing. This endeavour has not only showcased their technical prowess but also exemplified their commitment to sustainable innovation.
The roots of Trash for Trade trace back to 2019 when the idea began to develop within the nurturing environment of the HackaDev programme. As their concept grew, new avenues of growth and development unfurled before them. The program’s guidance became the compass steering them towards business expansion possibilities, fortified by invaluable technical insights.
Initially conceived as a venture focused on offering shredded plastic for recycling and upcycling, the Trash for Trade team has taken their business to great heights. Today, their achievements include prototyping an array of upcycled plastic products and crafting an impressive MVP for upcycled plastic 3D printing material. This accomplishment is not without its fair share of challenges, as the team tenaciously tackled technical hurdles during the production process as well.
Bolstered by the continued support and mentorship of the ERCP process, the Trash for Trade team is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Their horizons have expanded as they set their sights on introducing their innovative product to both local and international markets, and are gearing up to amplify their production capacity, laying the groundwork for a more substantial business presence. From humble beginnings to a pioneering force in upcycling, Trash for Trade is a testament to the power of innovation and sustainable thinking. With their eyes on a greener future and a circular economy, Trash for Trade is an inspiration to us all.
For more information, please contact: Kithmini Nissanka (shanika.kithmini-nissanka@undp.org)
