Reconnecting with nature
Leaf pellets (granules)
Leaf pellets (granules) are a perspective energy and fodder resource
The goal of our startup is to develop effective environmentally safe ways of handling plant waste (fallen leaves) in the territory of cities and villages of Ukraine, which will reduce the burden on the environment, reduce emissions of harmful substances, and contribute to obtaining an economic effect
Ukraine
Local
Вінниця
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Early concept
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The problem of waste has become one of the most important environmental problems today, which must be optimally solved - to dispose of it and minimize the negative impact on the environment and obtain an economic effect.
Target audience: Individuals of the private sector and private enterprises, utility companies, agricultural enterprises engaged in breeding and keeping animals.
Target audience: Individuals of the private sector and private enterprises, utility companies, agricultural enterprises engaged in breeding and keeping animals.
Innovation
environmental management
energy conservation
environmental safety
fodder resource
**Leaf Pellets (Granules)** is a startup focused on the sustainable use of biomass to create energy-efficient and environmentally friendly fuels, as well as high-quality animal feed. The main idea is to process fallen leaves and plant residues into pellets that can be used as a source of renewable energy or a nutritious feed resource.
The sustainability of this solution is achieved through the efficient use of waste that is not usually used on an industrial scale. Instead of burning leaves, which leads to air pollution, or rotting them, which contributes to methane emissions, the company creates a product with high added value. The production process is based on low-carbon technologies, which minimizes CO₂ emissions and contributes to the conservation of natural resources.
Pellets have high energy efficiency, which makes them a competitive alternative fuel compared to firewood or coal. In the livestock sector, they provide a balanced feed composition, as they contain natural nutrients necessary for the health of livestock. Through environmental certification and adaptation to the needs of different markets, the startup ensures sustainable growth and expansion of its impact, contributing to a circular economy and reducing environmental burden.
The sustainability of this solution is achieved through the efficient use of waste that is not usually used on an industrial scale. Instead of burning leaves, which leads to air pollution, or rotting them, which contributes to methane emissions, the company creates a product with high added value. The production process is based on low-carbon technologies, which minimizes CO₂ emissions and contributes to the conservation of natural resources.
Pellets have high energy efficiency, which makes them a competitive alternative fuel compared to firewood or coal. In the livestock sector, they provide a balanced feed composition, as they contain natural nutrients necessary for the health of livestock. Through environmental certification and adaptation to the needs of different markets, the startup ensures sustainable growth and expansion of its impact, contributing to a circular economy and reducing environmental burden.
The startup Leaf Pellets (Granules) as a Perspective Energy and Fodder Resource combines environmental responsibility with high aesthetics and quality of experience for users, creating a harmonious connection between nature and modern technologies. The project forms a new cultural approach to the use of natural resources, embodying the idea of cyclicality and zero waste through product design, packaging and communication strategies.
The design of pellets and corresponding systems for their use is aimed at preserving the natural beauty of the material, which creates not only an effective, but also an attractive product for consumers. The visual and tactile component contributes to emotional engagement, making ecological solutions more attractive and natural in everyday life.
The aesthetic concept of the project is based on the principles of biophilic design: the use of natural colors, textures and shapes that resemble natural environments. This helps to create a positive cultural experience and strengthens the sense of involvement in the environmental movement. The packaging and brand communications are designed with a minimalist approach that combines aesthetics with functionality, and also takes into account the emotional aspects of interaction with consumers.
The exemplary nature of the project is manifested in its ability to change people's perceptions of secondary resources, transforming them from a technical product into a cultural phenomenon. It not only offers an alternative type of fuel or feed, but also changes the perception of environmental responsibility through an attractive, convenient and emotionally charged experience.
The design of pellets and corresponding systems for their use is aimed at preserving the natural beauty of the material, which creates not only an effective, but also an attractive product for consumers. The visual and tactile component contributes to emotional engagement, making ecological solutions more attractive and natural in everyday life.
The aesthetic concept of the project is based on the principles of biophilic design: the use of natural colors, textures and shapes that resemble natural environments. This helps to create a positive cultural experience and strengthens the sense of involvement in the environmental movement. The packaging and brand communications are designed with a minimalist approach that combines aesthetics with functionality, and also takes into account the emotional aspects of interaction with consumers.
The exemplary nature of the project is manifested in its ability to change people's perceptions of secondary resources, transforming them from a technical product into a cultural phenomenon. It not only offers an alternative type of fuel or feed, but also changes the perception of environmental responsibility through an attractive, convenient and emotionally charged experience.
The startup Leaf Pellets as a Perspective Energy and Fodder Resource aims to ensure inclusivity at all levels – from product accessibility for different social groups to development of inclusive management systems and implementation of universal design principles. Accessibility starts with the product itself: leaf pellets are an environmentally friendly, economically viable and renewable resource, which makes them accessible to both farmers and small businesses looking for alternative sources of energy or feed. The simplicity of the production technology allows to lower the barriers to entry for small businesses and community initiatives, and also supports employment among vulnerable groups of the population.
Inclusivity of management in the project is achieved through open models of cooperation and opportunities for social entrepreneurship. Involving local communities, farmer cooperatives and socially vulnerable groups in the process of raw material collection and production contributes to the creation of jobs that do not require high qualifications, but at the same time provide opportunities for training and professional growth. The design of the distribution system is designed according to the principles of design for all, ensuring ease of use, clarity and adaptation to different groups of consumers, including small farmers, green entrepreneurs and municipal institutions.
The project also promotes the development of new social models based on the circular economy and the sharing of resources. The use of leaves, which are usually waste, as raw materials for energy and feed creates an environmentally responsible economy that integrates both urban and rural communities. In addition, educational initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development involve different social groups, including young people, people with disabilities and representatives of marginalized communities.
This startup is exemplary in the context of inclusion, as it not only promotes
Inclusivity of management in the project is achieved through open models of cooperation and opportunities for social entrepreneurship. Involving local communities, farmer cooperatives and socially vulnerable groups in the process of raw material collection and production contributes to the creation of jobs that do not require high qualifications, but at the same time provide opportunities for training and professional growth. The design of the distribution system is designed according to the principles of design for all, ensuring ease of use, clarity and adaptation to different groups of consumers, including small farmers, green entrepreneurs and municipal institutions.
The project also promotes the development of new social models based on the circular economy and the sharing of resources. The use of leaves, which are usually waste, as raw materials for energy and feed creates an environmentally responsible economy that integrates both urban and rural communities. In addition, educational initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development involve different social groups, including young people, people with disabilities and representatives of marginalized communities.
This startup is exemplary in the context of inclusion, as it not only promotes
were not involved
not involved
Only representatives of the educational institution are involved
The development and implementation of the startup "Leaf pellets (granules) are a perspective energy and fodder resource" covers several fields of knowledge, including bioenergy, ecology, agriculture, engineering, economics and logistics.
Bioenergy plays a key role in the development of leaf pellets, as their energy characteristics are studied, in particular, the calorific value of combustion and the efficiency of use in heating. Ecology is involved in assessing the environmental impact of this type of fuel, including reducing emissions and the possibility of reducing the amount of organic waste. Agriculture is involved in researching the use of these pellets as a feed additive, analyzing the nutritional value and impact on animal health. Engineering provides the development of the technological production process, improving equipment and optimizing leaf pressing processes. Economics analyzes market prospects, profitability and financial models that contribute to attracting investments. Logistics is engaged in the efficient collection, transportation and storage of leaves for further processing.
The interaction between these industries contributes to the creation of an innovative product that simultaneously solves the problem of recycling fallen leaves, offers an alternative energy source and potentially reduces the cost of feed for livestock. An additional value is the multidisciplinary approach, which allows taking into account environmental, technological and economic aspects, ensuring a comprehensive and effective implementation of the project.
The development and implementation of the startup "Leaf pellets (granules) are a perspective energy and fodder resource" covers several fields of knowledge, including bioenergy, ecology, agriculture, engineering, economics and logistics.
Bioenergy plays a key role in the development of leaf pellets, as their energy characteristics are studied, in particular, the calorific value of combustion and the efficiency of use in heating. Ecology is involved in assessing the environmental impact of this type of fuel, including reducing emissions and the possibility of reducing the amount of organic waste. Agriculture is involved in researching the use of these pellets as a feed additive, analyzing the nutritional value and impact on animal health. Engineering provides the development of the technological production process, improving equipment and optimizing leaf pressing processes. Economics analyzes market prospects, profitability and financial models that contribute to attracting investments. Logistics is engaged in the efficient collection, transportation and storage of leaves for further processing.
The interaction between these industries contributes to the creation of an innovative product that simultaneously solves the problem of recycling fallen leaves, offers an alternative energy source and potentially reduces the cost of feed for livestock. An additional value is the multidisciplinary approach, which allows taking into account environmental, technological and economic aspects, ensuring a comprehensive and effective implementation of the project.
The use of fallen leaves as an organic raw material for the production of fodder and fuel pellets is an innovative approach that opens new opportunities for the use of this resource. It is an effective method of organic waste management that contributes to the protection of the environment, economic resources and the created value-added product. The production of fuel pellets from leaves is a perspective method of organic waste utilization, which turns fallen leaves into an environmentally friendly source of energy. Leaf fuel pellets have a high calorific value, but also require specific technological approaches due to the mineral content and faster combustion compared to wood pellets.
Methods of processing leaves for pellets:
1. Production of fodder pellets (granules). Production of fodder pellets (granules). It involves collecting and sorting leaves, washing them from contamination, disinfection, drying to a moisture content of 14-16%, grinding and mixing with additional components (flavor-aromatic additives, preservatives, stabilizers, etc.), according to the recipe developed for a certain species animals with mandatory control .The final stages are pressing into a pellet or granule.
2. Production of fuelpellets (granules): Production of fuel pellets (granules) involves thorough washing of leaves; preliminary rough grinding, passing through a sieve to remove sand and other substances; repeated grinding and washing. The prepared mixture is fed into the granulator, where it is squeezed through the holes in the matrix. High pressure and temperature ensure the formation of pellets (due to the pressure and heat, the parts of the leaves are connected to form dense granules). Cooling, sorting and packaging.
1. Production of fodder pellets (granules). Production of fodder pellets (granules). It involves collecting and sorting leaves, washing them from contamination, disinfection, drying to a moisture content of 14-16%, grinding and mixing with additional components (flavor-aromatic additives, preservatives, stabilizers, etc.), according to the recipe developed for a certain species animals with mandatory control .The final stages are pressing into a pellet or granule.
2. Production of fuelpellets (granules): Production of fuel pellets (granules) involves thorough washing of leaves; preliminary rough grinding, passing through a sieve to remove sand and other substances; repeated grinding and washing. The prepared mixture is fed into the granulator, where it is squeezed through the holes in the matrix. High pressure and temperature ensure the formation of pellets (due to the pressure and heat, the parts of the leaves are connected to form dense granules). Cooling, sorting and packaging.
This process includes several key stages:
Collection and preparation of raw materials: The leaves are collected and cleaned of foreign impurities. Then they are crushed to a homogeneous mass, which facilitates further processing.
Drying: The crushed leaves are dried to an optimal moisture level (usually less than 10-16%) to ensure high-quality pressing and high calorific value of the pellets.
Pressing (pelletization): The dry mass is pressed into pellets using special presses. During this process, the material is subjected to high pressure, which ensures the formation of dense and strong pellets.
Cooling and packaging: Freshly produced pellets are cooled to stabilize their structure and prevent moisture condensation during storage. After cooling, the pellets are packaged for further transportation or use.
Using leaves as raw materials for pellets is a promising direction, as it allows for the effective disposal of fallen leaves, reducing waste and providing an additional source of energy or animal feed. Studies show that grass and leaf pellets have good mechanical and calorific properties, making them suitable for various industrial applications.
It is important to note that the successful implementation of such a startup requires careful planning and consideration of economic aspects such as equipment costs, energy and logistics. The experience of farmers engaged in pellet production at the local level indicates the need for detailed cost analysis and the development of effective marketing strategies to ensure the profitability of the enterprise.
Collection and preparation of raw materials: The leaves are collected and cleaned of foreign impurities. Then they are crushed to a homogeneous mass, which facilitates further processing.
Drying: The crushed leaves are dried to an optimal moisture level (usually less than 10-16%) to ensure high-quality pressing and high calorific value of the pellets.
Pressing (pelletization): The dry mass is pressed into pellets using special presses. During this process, the material is subjected to high pressure, which ensures the formation of dense and strong pellets.
Cooling and packaging: Freshly produced pellets are cooled to stabilize their structure and prevent moisture condensation during storage. After cooling, the pellets are packaged for further transportation or use.
Using leaves as raw materials for pellets is a promising direction, as it allows for the effective disposal of fallen leaves, reducing waste and providing an additional source of energy or animal feed. Studies show that grass and leaf pellets have good mechanical and calorific properties, making them suitable for various industrial applications.
It is important to note that the successful implementation of such a startup requires careful planning and consideration of economic aspects such as equipment costs, energy and logistics. The experience of farmers engaged in pellet production at the local level indicates the need for detailed cost analysis and the development of effective marketing strategies to ensure the profitability of the enterprise.
The project "Leaf Pellets (granules) - a promising energy and feed resource" is aimed at solving current global challenges related to ecology, energy security and agriculture. The main problems that need to be solved include the accumulation of organic waste, dependence on fossil energy sources and the search for alternative feed resources for livestock. The use of leaf pellets as an energy source helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the consumption of traditional fuels and preserve natural resources. In addition, such raw materials can become an effective feed component, which will help reduce the costs of keeping farm animals and improve their health.
Solving these challenges is possible thanks to the introduction of innovative technologies for processing leaves and other plant waste into fuel and feed pellets. This allows not only to effectively utilize biomass, but also to create new opportunities for economic development and ensure energy independence. An additional aspect of the project is the promotion of environmentally friendly solutions among the public and business, which contributes to the formation of a responsible attitude towards the use of natural resources. The development of this area has the potential to make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change and promote sustainable development of society.
Solving these challenges is possible thanks to the introduction of innovative technologies for processing leaves and other plant waste into fuel and feed pellets. This allows not only to effectively utilize biomass, but also to create new opportunities for economic development and ensure energy independence. An additional aspect of the project is the promotion of environmentally friendly solutions among the public and business, which contributes to the formation of a responsible attitude towards the use of natural resources. The development of this area has the potential to make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change and promote sustainable development of society.
Startup Roadmap: Fallen Leaves Recycling Project
Market Research & Feasibility Study (Months 1–3)
Prototype Development & Testing (Months 3–6)
Product Development & Branding (Months 6–9)
Permits & Legal Compliance (Months 6–9)
Pilot Program & Market Testing (Months 9–12)
Fundraising & Investment (Months 12–15)
Production Scale-Up (Months 15–18)
Marketing & Sales Launch (Months 18–24)
Market Research & Feasibility Study (Months 1–3)
Prototype Development & Testing (Months 3–6)
Product Development & Branding (Months 6–9)
Permits & Legal Compliance (Months 6–9)
Pilot Program & Market Testing (Months 9–12)
Fundraising & Investment (Months 12–15)
Production Scale-Up (Months 15–18)
Marketing & Sales Launch (Months 18–24)
