This week's spotlight on waste reduction showcases innovations across industries that are rethinking traditional waste practices. Our Featured Article highlights Better Earth's compostable packaging, which not only reduces plastic pollution but also promotes soil health and carbon sequestration through composting. This case exemplifies the potential of regenerative solutions to close the loop on waste in the foodservice industry.

In our Essential Reads, we're seeing breakthrough efforts across sectors. The UNDP and Circular Innovation Lab are spearheading initiatives to tackle plastic pollution through circular economy principles. Meanwhile, Clean Food Group is turning food waste into valuable oils for cosmetics, and Rice University researchers are using bioengineered microorganisms to address plastic breakdown. Each of these efforts demonstrates the power of regenerative thinking to minimize waste and create value.

Our Research Corner features an important study by Akkaş and Gaur (2022), outlining how Operations Management can reduce global food waste. With insights on supply chain technology and business model innovation, the paper offers a roadmap for addressing this urgent issue.

Let's delve into these inspiring stories and discover actionable ways to incorporate waste reduction into our own work!

Featured Article: 

Compostable Packaging

Better Earth is transforming the foodservice packaging industry with compostable products that tackle environmental issues like greenhouse gas emissions, plastic pollution, and soil degradation. In this Forbes article, CEO Joseph Bild tells me how the company’s packaging diverts organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions and enhancing soil health through composting. By utilizing rapidly renewable, plant-based materials, they offer a regenerative and circular alternative to traditional plastics. The company emphasizes innovation in product development, ensuring that their solutions meet both functional needs and sustainability goals. Achieving B Corp certification, Better Earth demonstrates a strong commitment to mission-driven growth and environmental stewardship. Their Climate Smart Farmer’s Fiber collection, made from native perennial grasses, supports rural economies, improves soil health, and sequesters carbon. Through partnerships and sustainable practices, Better Earth aims to make regenerative circularity achievable within the foodservice industry.

Read more: Eliminating Food Packaging Waste Through Regenerative Agriculture

Essential Reads:

Circular Economy Initiative

The UNDP and Circular Innovation Lab launched a joint initiative to promote circular economy solutions to combat plastic pollution. The initiative fosters collaboration across sectors and emphasizes sustainable practices that create economic opportunities, protect ecosystems, and reduce waste. The gathering in Istanbul aimed to drive a shift towards renewable energy and inclusive policies.

Read more: UNDP, Danish think tank launch initiative to combat plastic pollution

Sustainable Cosmetics Innovation

Clean Food Group has partnered with THG LABS to transform food waste into sustainable, high-performance oils for the cosmetics industry. This collaboration aims to replace agriculturally intensive ingredients with bio-equivalents using innovative technology. By utilizing food waste, the partnership promotes eco-friendly and effective raw materials in beauty products.

Read more: Clean Food Group partners with THG LABS to harness the power of cutting-edge oils and fats technology powered by food waste

Bioengineered Microorganisms Tackle Plastic Waste

Rice University researchers have developed bioengineered microorganisms using mussel-inspired adhesive properties to break down plastic waste. By enhancing bacterial adhesion and combining it with plastic-degrading enzymes, this innovation offers a new solution for addressing plastic pollution, particularly PET plastic, and biofouling in industries like shipping and healthcare.

Read more: Bioengineered microorganisms offer new tool for plastic waste breakdown

Seafood Freshness Innovation

Green Iceberg's PicoICE™ technology rapidly chills fish with ultra-small ice particles, enhancing seafood freshness and reducing food waste. This scalable, energy-efficient solution cuts bacterial growth and extends shelf life, offering the seafood industry a powerful tool to maintain cold chains, lower refrigeration costs, and reduce spoilage.

Read more: Responsible Fisheries Innovation Award finalist: Green Iceberg’s seafood freshness and food waste solution

Suffolk AD Facility Revamp

Bio Capital and Adnams Brewery will modernize an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility in Reydon, Suffolk, to meet upcoming food waste regulations. The facility will convert organic waste into renewable energy, fuel Adnams' fleet, and power its brewery. This project supports Suffolk’s sustainability goals, reduces carbon emissions, and creates local jobs.

Read more: Suffolk brewery to modernise its AD facility

Tackling Food Waste in Saudi Arabia

UNDP Saudi Arabia and Green Circle co-hosted an event for International Food Loss and Waste Awareness Day, focusing on sustainable waste management and environmental solutions. The event showcased successful initiatives like agricultural waste recycling and biofuel production from cooking oils, promoting innovative approaches to sustainability and economic growth in Saudi Arabia.

Read more: UNDP Saudi Arabia and Green Circle co-host an inspiring event for International Food Loss and Waste Awareness Day

Research Corner:

A study by Akkaş and Gaur (2022) in Manufacturing & Service Operations Managementfocuses on the global issue of food waste, where nearly one-third of food produced is discarded. The paper outlines how the Operations Management field can play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge, proposing a research agenda around five key themes: supply chain technology, logistics, incentives, business model innovation, and behavioral operations. This agenda offers valuable insights for both academia and practice.

Read more: Reducing Food Waste: An Operations Management Research Agenda

The regenerative business practices and sustainability innovations highlighted in this week's Regenerative Insights directly tackle the critical issues of corporate responsibility and social equity through the waste practice lens explored in my recent book explored in my recent book, The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost.

Quick Takeaways:

• Circular plastic initiative: The UNDP promotes a circular economy to combat plastic pollution, advancing renewable energy and sustainable policies.

• Eco-friendly cosmetics: Clean Food Group transforms food waste into bio-oils, reducing the cosmetics industry's reliance on agricultural ingredients.

• Plastic breakdown tech: Rice University’s microorganisms break down PET plastics, offering new solutions to plastic waste and biofouling.

• Seafood freshness solution: PicoICE™ tech extends seafood shelf life, reducing food waste through energy-efficient refrigeration innovations.

• Renewable energy from waste: Revamped AD facility in Suffolk converts food waste into renewable energy, helping to meet local sustainability goals.

• Saudi waste management: UNDP and Green Circle showcase sustainable solutions, including biofuel from cooking oil, to tackle food waste in Saudi Arabia.

Water is at the heart of this week’s Regenerative Insights, with stories highlighting innovative ways communities, businesses, and leaders are tackling the pressing challenges of water scarcity, management, and preservation. In our Featured Article, we highlight Ocaquatics Swim School - a company that has for over 30 years has fostered water safety through swimming lessons in South Florida - and how the company has also pioneered a community-first approach to business succession by transitioning to 100% employee ownership, emphasizing sustainable growth and equitable wealth-sharing.

From sustainable rain gardens on university campuses to salt-free desalination innovations, our Essential Reads reveal how diverse efforts worldwide are transforming water stewardship. These stories showcase practical solutions on the ground, from Texas water rights conflicts to collaborative eco-farming tours that connect global communities in water conservation efforts.

Meanwhile, in our Research Corner, a recent study in the American Economic Reviewquantifies the enormous value of wetlands in flood mitigation, making a strong case for preserving vulnerable wetlands under the Clean Water Act.

Let’s dive in and explore how these water-centered initiatives are shaping a more resilient future.

Featured Article:

Ocaquatics’ Wave-Making Employee Ownership Model

In my recent Forbes article, I explored a case of Ocaquatics Swim School pioneering a different approach to business succession by transitioning to being a 100% employee-owned company. Founded by Miren Oca in Miami, Florida, Ocaquatics has grown over three decades from a small business into a community-focused organization, conducting over 6,500 swimming lessons weekly across five locations. The transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) secures the company’s mission-driven values and shares success with the very team that helped it flourish.

Oca chose the EOT model for its straightforward structure, enabling Ocaquatics to continue its commitment to social impact and employee well-being without the complexity of traditional ESOPs or co-ops. With this model, 50 co-owners now hold a vested interest in the business, deepening their dedication to the company's success and sustainability. Ocaquatics’ story serves as an inspiring blueprint for succession planning, showcasing how companies can balance profitability with community impact, all while narrowing wealth gaps locally.

Read more: Swimming Against the Tide: How Ocaquatics’ Employee Ownership Model Is Making Waves in Business Succession

Essential Reads:

Sustainable Rain Garden Initiative

University of Cincinnati horticulture students create a rain garden to improve stormwater management and biodiversity on campus. This innovative project serves as a hands-on experience in sustainable landscape design, merging environmental science with practical application. Students gain valuable skills for green careers, turning UC’s campus into a model of eco-friendly urban development.

Read more: UC DAAP students lead the way in sustainable rain garden design

Salt-Free Desalination Innovation

A student innovator, Tayia Oddonetto, has developed a groundbreaking desalination method, salt-free electrodialysis metathesis. This process efficiently converts brine into drinkable water and extracts valuable minerals, offering a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional desalination methods, thus helping address global water scarcity with sustainable technology.

Read more: Salt-Free Electrodialysis Metathesis

Heritage Sites Endangered by Subsidence

Excessive groundwater extraction in Iran threatens key archaeological sites, including Takht-e Jamshid and Naqsh-e Rostam. Uneven land sinking has damaged these historical monuments, creating cracks and endangering structures. Authorities emphasize sustainable water management, restoration, and community awareness to protect Iran's cultural heritage from worsening subsidence.

Read more: Land subsidence threatens Takht-e Jamshid, Naqsh-e Rostam archaeological sites

Texas Water Rights Battle

Belding Farms in West Texas battles to protect its water supply as nearby property owners sell water to expanding cities. With Texas' population and demand for water rising, this conflict exemplifies the coming challenges in managing groundwater. The farm argues that over-pumping could deplete local aquifers, risking agriculture and regional stability.

Read more: A West Texas pecan farm fights to save its water supply as neighbors sell it to growing cities

EU-China Sustainability Tour Highlights Eco-Farming

The EU-China Sustainability Tour spotlighted eco-farming innovations in Zhengzhou, where sustainable practices like organic waste composting and drip irrigation conserve resources. Vlogger Sunfengren documented the EU-China Sustainable Agriculture Project’s impact on local communities, promoting eco-friendly farming, water conservation, and public engagement in environmental protection through shared vegetable plots.

Read more: Sustainability Tour 2024 - Weekly Blog#7: Exploring Sustainable Living through EU-China Cooperation

Norfolk Farm Water Resilience Project

The Norfolk Rivers Trust's decade-long initiative with 300+ farmers highlights sustainable water management through methods like wetland restoration, runoff reduction, and on-farm reservoirs. This collaborative approach builds landscape resilience, protects water supplies, and fosters biodiversity, supporting long-term agricultural sustainability in the East of England.

Read more: Norfolk farm water resilience project praised in report

Youth Sustainability Leadership in Timor-Leste

At the National PermaYouth Camp 2024, over 800 young leaders gathered in Timor-Leste to learn permaculture and water management techniques. UNSW students joined local peers in hands-on training, fostering skills in sustainable practices and ecosystem restoration. This initiative strengthens youth engagement in climate resilience and conservation efforts.

Read more: Empowering future sustainability leaders at PermaYouth Camp in Timor-Leste

Research Corner:

This study by Taylor and Druckenmiller in the American Economic Review reveals the high economic value of wetlands for flood mitigation. Using extensive flood claims and land use data, the researchers estimate that each lost hectare of wetland costs society $1,840 per year, escalating to over $8,000 in developed areas. Their findings highlight the critical role wetlands play in flood risk reduction, particularly amid ongoing debates on the Clean Water Act and policy uncertainties surrounding wetland protections. These insights underscore the need for targeted protection measures, especially for isolated wetlands vulnerable to deregulation.

Read more: Wetlands, flooding, and the clean water act

The regenerative business practices and sustainability innovations highlighted in this week's Regenerative Insights directly tackle the critical issues of corporate responsibility explored in my recent book explored in my recent book, The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost.

Quick Takeaways:

• Hands-On Green Skills: University horticulture students gain practical skills through a rain garden project, promoting eco-friendly campus development.

• Innovative Desalination: A salt-free method turns brine into potable water, providing a sustainable solution for water scarcity.

• Cultural Sites at Risk: Iran’s heritage monuments face damage from groundwater depletion, highlighting the need for sustainable water management.

• Groundwater Conflicts: A Texas farm fights urban water demands to protect its local aquifers and agricultural stability.

• Eco-Farming Collaboration: EU-China tour promotes sustainable farming practices, engaging communities in water conservation.

• Sustainable Farming in Norfolk: A multi-farm water resilience project supports biodiversity and long-term agricultural sustainability in England.

• Youth Climate Leaders: Timor-Leste’s PermaYouth Camp empowers young leaders with skills in permaculture and climate resilience.

This week's Regenerative Insights centers around a powerful theme: Community Innovations. As we dive into these inspiring stories, we see how local efforts—whether in resource sharing, habitat restoration, or social sustainability—are fueling a new wave of regenerative practices. As reflected in my Forbes article that provided a case study of BLVR, fostering local communities for impact has become the central role in the B Corp movement. These innovations not only address environmental challenges but also uplift communities by fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and resilience. 

From a community lending project in Stourbridge , UK to Blue River Habitat Restoration, these different projects and initiatives showcase how collective efforts can lead to sustainable solutions. Local engagement, whether through lending libraries or river restoration or other forms of organization emphasizes the importance of community-led practices, where innovation meets social responsibility.

In this week's Research Corner, we explore inclusive innovation's role in promoting social sustainability, particularly in underserved populations. As highlighted by Kalkanci, Rahmani, and Toktay (2019), successful regenerative efforts require collaboration across sectors, demonstrating that social and environmental goals can be aligned.

Let’s delve into these stories and explore how community-driven innovation is shaping a more resilient and equitable world. Ready to explore? Let’s get started!

Featured Article: 

Belief-Driven Impact: The Core of BLVR’s Success

In my recent Forbes article, I explored how BLVR, a San Diego-based agency, stands out for its deep commitment to creating positive societal change. Specializing in brand development for purpose-driven companies, BLVR uses a "belief-driven" approach to empower brands to act as forces for good. The company not only leads by example but also integrates its ethos into the brands it works with, helping them align their business practices with a higher conviction. Through partnerships with like-minded businesses and community engagement, BLVR helps brands foster deeper connections by rooting identities in shared beliefs and values, not just profits. This focus on community-driven impact is why BLVR sees its B Corp certification as a platform for broader societal transformation.

Read more: Why Community Is the B Corp Movement’s Biggest Strength

Essential Reads:

Community Lending Project

Stourbridge plans to create a lending library for infrequently used items, encouraging community involvement and waste reduction. With over 300 supporters, this project aims to secure funding and promote similar initiatives in other areas, fostering a culture of resource sharing and sustainability.
Read more: Library of Things lending scheme proposed for Stourbridge

Climate-Resilient Community Development

In Buenos Aires, residents co-designed housing and infrastructure with the Housing Institute, creating solar-powered homes and green spaces. These initiatives enhance environmental and social resilience while integrating the community into the broader city economy, fostering economic empowerment.
Read more: Rodrigo Bueno Buenos Aires Climate-Resilient Community

Microplastic Remediation

PolyGone Systems, in collaboration with Princeton University, creates a portable device to collect microplastics from marine environments. This affordable and biomimetic solution helps address the growing issue of microplastic pollution, supporting efforts to protect marine ecosystems.
Read more: This Startup Floats a Biomimetic Solution to Microplastic Pollution

Bali’s Rice Farming Revival

Astungkara Way is transforming Bali's tourism and agriculture by integrating regenerative farming with immersive travel experiences. Their initiatives encourage tourists to engage with local farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture and preserving Bali's rice paddies. Through multi-day hikes and hands-on farm tours, tourists contribute to the restoration of Bali's ecosystems while learning about traditional farming.

Read more: Bali’s Rice Revolution Is Supported By Immersive Regenerative Tourism Experience

Regenerative Farm Community

The Farm at Okefenokee is a regenerative farming residential community that offers luxury cabins in harmony with nature. Residents benefit from nutrient-rich food grown on-site using sustainable methods. With an emphasis on community, the farm promotes a healthier lifestyle, reducing environmental impact while connecting people with the land and each other.

Read more: Regenerative farm community connects residents with nature

Resilience and Regeneration

Disaster-affected communities in areas like Western North Carolina and Central Florida are rebuilding through cooperative efforts. These initiatives, including credit unions and community land trusts, expand community-led regenerative work, offering disaster resilience. Efforts also focus on disability justice, ensuring inclusivity in disaster planning and response, paving the way for long-term regeneration after crises.

Read more: Resilience and Regeneration, Disaster After Disaster

Blue River Habitat Restoration

The Blue River Watershed Group is seeking community input for a habitat restoration project downstream of Dillon Reservoir. This initiative aims to improve degraded aquatic ecosystems, enhance fish habitats, and restore river health. The project includes river channel modifications, fish spawning improvements, and recreation enhancements in Silverthorne.

Read more: Blue River Watershed Group seeks community input as it pursues project to restore habitat downstream of Dillon Reservoir

Malibu Creek Restoration

A new photo site has been added to the Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project (MCERP) Community Science Program. Located near Malibu Pier, the site allows the public to help monitor shoreline conditions before the removal of Rindge Dam. This project aims to restore habitat connectivity for endangered species and improve ecosystem resilience.

Read more: New Site Added to the Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project Community Science Program

Research Corner:

In Production and Operations Management, Kalkanci, Rahmani, and Toktay (2019) explore how inclusive innovation can drive social sustainability, particularly in emerging economies. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable operations research to address social concerns of underserved populations. It highlights that innovation in products, processes, and supply chains must prioritize inclusion and equity. Successful efforts require collaboration between for-profit firms, public sectors, civil society, and local communities. The paper identifies key social sustainability challenges across services, manufacturing, and agriculture and suggests opportunities for future research to address these pressing issues.

Read more: The Role of Inclusive Innovation in Promoting Social Sustainability

The regenerative business practices and sustainability innovations highlighted in this week's Regenerative Insights directly tackle the critical issues of corporate responsibility and social equity through the waste practice lens explored in my recent book explored in my recent book, The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost.

Quick Takeaways:

• Climate-resilient housing: Co-designed solar-powered homes and green spaces to empower communities economically and environmentally.

• Sustainable tourism: Promote regenerative agriculture by integrating eco-conscious travel experiences that support local farmers.

• Farming with community: Create regenerative farm communities that prioritize healthy food, nature, and connection among residents.

• Inclusive disaster recovery: Engage communities in regenerative rebuilding, ensuring resilience and inclusivity in disaster-affected areas.

• Aquatic habitat restoration: Involve local input in river restoration projects to improve ecosystems and recreational spaces.

• Ecosystem monitoring: Encourage public participation in ecosystem restoration efforts to boost habitat resilience and species protection.

This week’s Regenerative Insights dives into the theme of Sustainable Energy, showcasing the latest advancements driving a cleaner, more resilient future. My Forbes article highlights VAXA’s combining geothermal energy with algae cultivation showing how sustainable, omega-3-rich supplements can be generated using clean energy while addressing overfishing and reducing environmental impact. Similarly, the solar-wind synergy and hydrogen advancements reflect a growing momentum toward cleaner, more reliable energy solutions.

From artificial leaves enhancing hydrogen production to solar-powered devices converting waste into fuel, the articles below demonstrate the creative ways researchers are tackling the climate crisis. The British Library’s solar heat initiative and Aspen Distillers’ carbon-negative distillery illustrate how large institutions and industries are integrating regenerative principles into their operations to reduce emissions and boost energy efficiency.

In this week’s Research Corner, a study of peer-to-peer energy markets uncovers valuable insights into how consumers interact with local solar power, offering a glimpse into future decentralized energy systems.

Let’s dive into these innovations and explore how they contribute to a regenerative future!

Featured Article: 

Geothermal Algae

VAXA has pioneered an innovative approach to energy and food that merges geothermal energy production with algae cultivation. Addressing the challenges of climate change impacting our food chain and oceans, VAXA offers a sustainable alternative by producing omega-3 supplements directly from algae instead of relying on fish or krill oil. This innovative approach helps prevent overfishing and ensures a direct source of essential nutrients. Located in Iceland, VAXA’s facility utilizes clean geothermal energy and water to cultivate microalgae year-round, providing a consistent and reliable supply without environmental disruptions. Their circular, carbon-negative process uses 99% less land and water compared to traditional methods, reduces production costs by 80%, and boosts yields tenfold. By integrating advanced biotechnology and artificial intelligence, VAXA optimizes growing conditions to enhance the nutritional value of their algae, contributing to both global cooling and sustainable food production. Additionally, VAXA’s commitment to eco-friendly packaging and logistics underscores their dedication to environmental responsibility.

Read more from my Forbes article: Our Energy-to-Food Future

Essential Reads:

Solar-Wind Synergy

Combining solar panels with AirTurb wind turbines offers continuous renewable energy for residential and commercial use. The sleek, flicker-free design makes these turbines ideal for rooftops and ground applications, enabling round-the-clock clean energy production and supporting sustainable living.
Read more: Solar Power and Storage: Is Momentum Building for Cleaner Energy?

Pressure-Enhanced Hydrogen Production

Researchers improve green hydrogen production using an artificial leaf that performs better under pressure. This advancement in clean energy technology promises to increase the efficiency and scalability of hydrogen production, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources.
Read more: Green Hydrogen: Artificial Leaf Becomes Better Under Pressure

Clean Hydrogen from Seawater

Researchers at MIT are developing a method to produce clean hydrogen from seawater using soda cans and caffeine. This innovative approach to hydrogen production could provide a sustainable energy solution by utilizing readily available materials, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Read more: MIT Clean Hydrogen Seawater Soda Cans Caffeine

Carbon-Negative Distillery

Aspen Distillers creates the world’s first LEED Platinum-certified, carbon-negative distillery. The facility features net-positive energy use, innovative water treatment, and regenerative agriculture on-site, setting a new standard for sustainability in the spirits industry and aiming for further certifications.
Read more: Aspen Distillers Spirits Sustainability to a New Level

Tidal Energy Potential

Tidal energy offers promising renewable power, especially for island communities. Despite setbacks, projects like the MeyGen in Scotland showcase the technology’s potential. However, challenges like high costs, environmental risks, and technological hurdles remain. While tidal energy may never dominate, it could play a crucial role in a balanced global energy grid.

Read more: As tidal power rides a wave of clean energy optimism, pitfalls persist

Offshore Energy Partnership

Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has partnered with Kuwait's 3B General Trading & Contracting to advance offshore energy and maritime projects. This collaboration aims to deploy OPT’s wave-powered PowerBuoys, autonomous WAM-V surface vehicles, and AI-driven Merrows technology, expanding renewable energy capabilities and ocean intelligence in the Middle East.

Read more: Ocean Power Technologies shakes hands with Kuwaiti firm to explore offshore energy projects

Turning Waste into Fuel

Professor Erwin Reisner and his team at the University of Cambridge are developing solar-powered devices that convert waste, water, and air into sustainable fuels. Inspired by photosynthesis, these devices could help eliminate fossil fuels and tackle plastic waste. Their long-term mission aims to reshape the chemical industry and support a circular, sustainable economy.

Read more: Trash into treasure: making clean fuel from waste and sunlight

British Library's Solar Heat Initiative

The British Library has installed the UK’s largest solar heating system, featuring 950 solar collectors. This project, funded by the UK’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, will reduce carbon emissions by 55 tonnes annually and generate 216 MWh of energy. The innovative solar technology supports the library’s sustainability goals while preserving its historic collections.

Read more: Will the British Library’s giant solar heat project inspire other public buildings to decarbonise?

Research Corner:

Wörner et al. (2022) explore peer-to-peer (P2P) energy markets in a real-world field study, where participants bid on solar energy. Over a year, residential users showed active engagement and quickly learned market dynamics. However, their bids didn’t align with intentions to pay a premium for local solar power. Despite this, the study provides promising evidence that P2P energy trading can effectively balance renewable energy supply and demand, contributing to more sustainable energy systems.

Read more: Bidding on a peer-to-peer energy market: An exploratory field study

The regenerative business practices and sustainability innovations highlighted in this week's Regenerative Insights directly tackle the critical issues of corporate responsibility and social equity through the sustainable energy lens explored in my recent book, The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost. Click below for more!

Quick Takeaways:

• Solar-wind synergy: Solar panels and AirTurb turbines deliver continuous clean energy for homes and businesses.

• Pressure-enhanced hydrogen: Artificial leaves under pressure improve green hydrogen production efficiency.

• Hydrogen from seawater: MIT uses seawater, soda cans, and caffeine to produce clean hydrogen.

• Carbon-negative distillery: Aspen Distillers creates a carbon-negative, energy-positive distillery.

• Tidal energy potential: Tidal power holds promise but faces high costs and environmental challenges.

• Offshore energy partnership: Ocean Power Technologies and Kuwait firm collaborate on wave-powered energy projects.

• Turning waste into fuel: Cambridge team converts waste into clean fuel with solar-powered devices.

• Solar heat initiative: British Library’s solar heating system reduces emissions and boosts energy efficiency.

Welcome to this week’s Regenerative Insights. Featured this week is an in-depth article, "Regenerative Business," which I recently published on Forbes that highlights how Guayakí Yerba Mate is setting a new standard in regenerative business practices. Discover how their innovative "Market-Driven Regeneration™" model not only sustains but actively enhances environmental and social systems, demonstrating a powerful blueprint for businesses aiming to make a meaningful impact.

In addition to our Featured Article, the Essential Reads section showcases a broad range of innovations driving sustainability across diverse industries. From single-use solid personal care tablets to biodegradable algae-based water bottles, new developments continue to push the boundaries of eco-friendly packaging and product design. These cutting-edge solutions illustrate how businesses can align their products with circular economy principles while enhancing convenience.

Companies in the hospitality sector are also focusing on circularity and regeneration, with products like Piana Sleep’s Rinnovo mattress reducing environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. Other initiatives such as Petaluma’s reusable cup trials offer practical insights into changing consumer habits. Furthermore, the launch of refurbished office furniture demonstrates how companies can reduce waste by rethinking their product life cycles.

In this week’s Research Corner, we highlight an academic paper that delves into the role of customer involvement in driving sustainable consumption. The study shows that by engaging consumers in sustainability activities, companies can cultivate a sense of psychological ownership, bridging the gap between sustainable purchasing intentions and actual buying behavior.

Let’s explore these stories and the innovations shaping a regenerative future.

Featured Article: 

Regenerative Business

Guayakí Yerba Mate leads the way in regenerative business practices with its innovative "Market-Driven Regeneration™" model. Unlike traditional sustainability efforts that focus on maintaining the status quo, Guayakí actively enhances environmental and social systems. Founded in 1996, the company sources yerba mate from Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina through shade-grown, regenerative organic farming that preserves the rich biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest. Guayakí’s commitment extends beyond agriculture to include fair trade practices and community development, ensuring that every worker receives a living wage and that local communities are empowered. CEO Ben Mand highlights how their approach aligns product demand with positive environmental and social outcomes. By streamlining their supply chain and fostering long-term partnerships, Guayakí not only produces high-quality yerba mate-based beverages but also contributes to ecological restoration and community well-being. This holistic model demonstrates how businesses can thrive while making a meaningful impact.

Read more: Brewing Change: The Impact Of Fairtrade Fonio In The Global Beer Industry

Essential Reads:

Solid-State Personal Care

MASSCON's AllThatSolid(R) introduces single-use, tablet-sized personal care products emphasizing zero-waste packaging. This innovative design offers instant dissolution, improved hygiene, and aligns with eco-friendly goals, marking a shift towards sustainable personal care solutions.
Read more: Food, Fashion, Furniture & Circular Materials

Eco-Friendly Mattresses

Piana Sleep's Rinnovo mattress, targeting the hospitality industry, reduces CO2 emissions by 46%, energy use by 52%, and is 31% lighter. The product supports sustainability through a zero-waste recycling program, minimizing environmental impact from production to end-of-life disposal.
Read more: Don’t Just Dream About Changing the World, Do It in Your Sleep

Reusable Cup Trial

In Petaluma, CA, a three-month trial tests reusable beverage cups across 30 businesses, including major chains like Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks. The initiative aims to collect data on return rates, consumer acceptance, and operational challenges, promoting a shift towards sustainability in the food and beverage industry.
Read more: Why Burger King, KFC, and Starbucks Are Teaming Up to Test Reusable Cups

Biodegradable Algae Bottles

Bottles made from biodegradable algae biopolymers offer a sustainable alternative to plastic. These bottles decompose naturally, reducing pollution and supporting eco-friendly practices in packaging, contributing to the reduction of plastic waste and environmental degradation.
Read more: Biodegradable Algae Water Bottles Industry to Witness Massive Growth

Sustainable Pet Food Program

Mars Petcare launches the Next-Generation Pet Food Program, focusing on scaling sustainable innovations in proteins and fats. This initiative, in collaboration with partners, aims to reduce carbon emissions in pet food production and foster sustainability in the industry.
Read more: Major Brands Cultivating Regenerative Supply Chains

Refurbished Office Furniture

Humanscale launches an online store for refurbished office furniture, starting with the “Freedom” chair. This initiative supports the circular economy by reducing furniture waste in landfills, aligning with the company's sustainability goals, and offering consumers eco-friendly office solutions.
Read more: Humanscale Launches First Branded Online Store for Refurbished Office Furniture

Research Corner:

A recent study from the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science explores how customer involvement in corporate sustainability can close the gap between consumer intentions and actual sustainable purchases. It finds that fostering psychological ownership can motivate more sustainable choices, particularly when sustainability is core to the business. These findings offer advice for businesses aiming to better align their sustainability efforts with customer behavior.

Read more: Activating the sustainable consumer: The role of customer involvement in corporate sustainability

The regenerative business practices and sustainability innovations highlighted in this week's Regenerative Insights directly tackle the critical issues of corporate responsibility and social equity explored in my recent book, The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost.

Quick Takeaways:

• Single-use sustainability: Solid personal care products reduce packaging waste and improve hygiene with eco-friendly, dissolvable designs.

• Green hospitality solutions: Lightweight, recyclable mattresses cut CO2 and energy use, reshaping sustainability in hotels.

• Reusable shifts in F&B: Reusable cup trials across 30 businesses assess consumer behavior and operational sustainability.

• Plastic alternatives: Algae biopolymer bottles offer biodegradable packaging, helping reduce plastic pollution.

• Sustainable pet food: New initiatives in pet food production focus on scaling sustainable proteins and fats.

• Circular economy in action: Refurbished office furniture cuts waste and promotes eco-friendly workspaces.