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Islamabad, Unilever Pakistan, in collaboration with SEED Ventures, has launched ‘2nd Life Pakistan’, an initiative specifically designed to address plastic waste and promote sustainable waste management throughout Pakistan. This effort seeks to harness innovative solutions by leveraging local talent, with an emphasis on advancing responsible waste management practices.
According to a news release by Unilever Pakistan, ‘2nd Life Pakistan’ is structured in two segments: Acceleration and Research. Following a competitive selection process, 11 start-ups and 18 research applications were shortlisted. These participants underwent a month-long capacity-building program, featuring personalized mentorship sessions and informative webinars by Unilever and Seed Ventures leadership teams. The culmination of the initiative was a final pitching round where the top three participants from both categories presented their solutions to a jury of Unilever personnel.
The winner of the Acceleration challenge was “Bigger Bricks,” receiving a prize of PKR 1 million. Meanwhile, a team from Aga Khan University clinched the top spot in the Research category, securing a PKR 500,000 prize. The winners, along with other exceptional participants, will have the opportunity to work closely with Unilever Pakistan on projects concerning plastic collection, recycling, and repurposing.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Karachi, Sarah Mooney, graced the event as the Chief Guest. She praised the initiative, stating, “The innovation challenge has unveiled a reservoir of untapped talent from Pakistan. This pool of innovative individuals promises not only creativity but also technical expertise, equipping them for impactful careers in the industry.”
Amir Paracha, Chairman and CEO of Unilever Pakistan, said, “The ‘2nd Life Pakistan’ challenge signifies a monumental stride in combating plastic waste problems. At Unilever Pakistan, our commitment to sustainability is unwavering, and through this endeavour, we aspire to tap into the nation’s innovation to leave a positive imprint on our environment.”
Shaista Ayesha, CEO of SEED Ventures, expressed, “Programs like ‘2nd Life Pakistan’ act as connectors, bridging emerging innovations with the well-established industrial sector. Such efforts amplify the scope of research and foster a collaborative ecosystem where stakeholders collectively understand and address the challenges at hand.”
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