Virtual Masterclass on Circular Business Models

The Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) hosted the virtual masterclass, “Global Perspectives on Circular Economy: Start-ups with Sustainable Business Models in Action,” bringing together circular start-ups and experts from across Asia, Europe, and beyond. The event underscored the vital role of start-ups in advancing circular economy initiatives and fostering innovation for a sustainable future. This webinar is part of the Virtual Masterclass series of the Think Global Sustainability Network under HSF’s Global Project on Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change (GMACC).

Opening the event, Mr. Michael Siegner, Resident Representative of HSF Vietnam outlined how HSF has integrated local, national, regional, and global dimensions into its projects to promote the circular economy, focusing on Vietnam and ASEAN, while engaging in inter-regional dialogues between Asia and Europe.

Mr Michael Siegner opened the webinar

In his keynote speech, Dr. Ing. Jan Jordan from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, provided insights into the role of sustainable business models in bridging economic imperatives with sustainability goals, citing successful examples from both Europe and ASEAN. He also showcased innovative circular initiatives promoting sustainable business models and innovative start-ups in both regions.

Dr Jan Jordan presented in the webinar

Mr. Nguyen Hong Long, Director of the Center for Creativity and Sustainability (CCS) Vietnam, shared an overview of Vietnam’s circular start-up ecosystem. He identified critical challenges, such as limited funding and regulatory barriers, and stressed the need for tailored support mechanisms to enable start-ups to scale their solutions. Additionally, he shared his exciting experiences as part of the Think Global Sustainability Network’s delegation to COP29 in Azerbaijan in early November, underlining the essential role of international NGOs and development partners in enabling circular start-ups in emerging markets to participate in multistakeholder dialogues and networks on regional, transregional and global levels.

Mr Nguyen Hong Long presented in the webinar

Finallyl, three start-ups from HSF’s networks shared their inspiring circular start-up journeys. Plana Indonesia demonstrated their business model of transforming waste materials into durable building blocks, exemplified by their innovative PlanaWood, which replaces conventional wood with sustainable alternatives. Alternō – first prize winner of ClimateLaunchpad Vietnam 2023 - introduced a groundbreaking sand battery technology for decarbonizing heating processes in agriculture, industry, and buildings, aiming to significantly cut CO2 emissions globally while offering cost-efficient solutions​. Fuwa3e presented how they turn pineapple peels to produce biological enzyme cleaning solutions. Plana, Alterno and Fuwa3e are first prize winners of Ecothon in Indonesia 2023, Climate Launchpad Vietnam 2023, and ClimateLaunchpad Africa & Asia Pacific 2024, respectively. These two initiatives for circular start-ups – Ecothon and ClimateLaunchpad – are also co-organised by HSF Vietnam as part of HSF’s GMACC project.

Mr Joshua Christopher Chandra - Co-founder of Plan Indonesia presented in the webinar