GsPFL
Basic information
Project Title
GsPFL
Full project title
Greendet´s Plastic Free Line
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
Greendet´s Plastic Free Line (GsPFL) is a holistic green project that is disrupting detergents market and consumption, by diminishing the use of single use plastic, along with the carbon footprint associated with packaging, transportation and storage that common detergents bear. GsPFL is based on the premisse that sustainability must be accessible FOR ALL and represents an important and necessary step towards Society 5.0 and the fulfillment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Portugal
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
GsPFL is a holistic green project that is changing the way our community experiences detergents use. We are sustainably disrupting detergent market and detergent consumption, by diminishing the use of single use plastic in this sector, along with the carbon footprint associated with packaging, transportation and storage that common detergents bear. This is a disruptive line based on the premisse that for sustainability (in our case, for ecological detergent consumption) to really be a reality, it has to be accessible FOR ALL, in terms of product availability and in terms of the products value (€). GsPFL embraces several comitments, we guarantee: 1)No microplastics at the raw materials. 2)An Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine, specially formulated by Greendet, that operates with an innovative and exclusive line of concentrated detergents, with the Ecolabel seal, that are dissolved in situ. It works with 22g plastic bags containing 10L of concentrated detergents, replacing 600 plastic containers (of 60 g each), decreasing the use of plastic about 1600 times. Plus, our community (clients) can now bring their own packaging, only paying for the amount of detergent they wish to purchase. They can also purchase packaging (100% recyclable) in store and reuse it for future fillings. 3)100% recyclable cardboard packaging for powder detergents. 4)A range of hydrossoluble capsules of concentrated detergents to be dissolved, by the client, in situ (at home). Each 10mL capsule results in 500mL detergent. This Project represents an important and necessary step towards Society 5.0 and the fulfillment of the UN´s SDG. This project comes from the awareness that: detergents are one of the most consumed goods worldwide (132billion dollars market in 2020); associated with detergents production, is the use of plastic to obtain packaging of detergents, which was ca. 21.3million tons in 2022. This numbers imply a huge toll in pollution and carbon dioxide emissions.
Key objectives for sustainability
Sustainability | Aesthetics | Inclusion, a tale of hope: To know the story behind GsPFL, you have to know the history of Greendet and its CEO, Saul Silva. Scout by vocation, Chemist by training and Entrepreneur by nature, from an early age Saul realized that it was in his hands to play an active and responsible role in building a more sustainable society. His daughter´s birth put pressure on him. Saul Silva believes that “It is urgent to adopt ways to meet our needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. ”Greendet's Core Ideology has always been focused on the search and distribution of more sustainable, economical, ecological and safe solutions. “We soon realized that focusing on the detergent formula was not enough. We started by investing in return and reuse savings, collecting packaging while we made deliveries. This approach was not economically viable (transporting empty packaging has a considerable carbon footprint, also, there was a water footprint required to reuse the packaging).”After a lot of work and research, GsPFL emerged, and is now an important step towards what drives us. Our technologies are beyond state-of-the-art compared with other detergents present in the market, being that the unique selling point and differentiator is that i) less plastic and detergents are needed ii) less CO2 is emitted, iii) the space needed to store detergents is significantly reduced, and iv) a more sustainable (economically and environmentally) product can be obtained. Replicating this project means contributing to a more sustainable detergents production and consumption and leads to ‘green growth’. GsPFL relies on new technology development and know-how that can integrate a circular economy platform.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Sustainability | Aesthetics | Inclusion, a tale of memories.
Many of us fondly remember the stores that sold bulk products: we entered, took our packaging and brought the amount of product we wanted. Over the years, product quality control demands increased and these stores disappeared. Bulk sales were replaced by the sale of packaged, single-use products in disposable packaging. This consumption pattern has led us into an environmental storm. The current consumption of resources and its waste production cannot be sustained.
GsPFL in an important step in our search for ways to meet our needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Our Project promotes a return to the origins of bulk sales while ensuring all evidence of product quality and traceability. We have the best of both worlds, combining the possibility of reusing packaging and purchasing only the amount we need with the guarantee of products quality and traceability.
Our Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine was conceived with attention to details like: the materials (that are resistant, sustainable and durable); it is ergonomical and practical; it fits in small spaces; it allows the client to use the packaging that is most comfortable for them, depending on the use and age (physical condition) of the person.
The hydrossoluble casules are also ergonomical and practical; fit in small spaces and allow the client to use the packaging that is most comfortable for them.
As you can see, we respect and preserve the ancestral wisdom associated with bulk sales, continuing traditional production methodologies and maintaining the identity of traditional products, while responding to the consumer's need to know the origin, composition and validity of the products they acquire and to have an ergonomic product.
Many of us fondly remember the stores that sold bulk products: we entered, took our packaging and brought the amount of product we wanted. Over the years, product quality control demands increased and these stores disappeared. Bulk sales were replaced by the sale of packaged, single-use products in disposable packaging. This consumption pattern has led us into an environmental storm. The current consumption of resources and its waste production cannot be sustained.
GsPFL in an important step in our search for ways to meet our needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Our Project promotes a return to the origins of bulk sales while ensuring all evidence of product quality and traceability. We have the best of both worlds, combining the possibility of reusing packaging and purchasing only the amount we need with the guarantee of products quality and traceability.
Our Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine was conceived with attention to details like: the materials (that are resistant, sustainable and durable); it is ergonomical and practical; it fits in small spaces; it allows the client to use the packaging that is most comfortable for them, depending on the use and age (physical condition) of the person.
The hydrossoluble casules are also ergonomical and practical; fit in small spaces and allow the client to use the packaging that is most comfortable for them.
As you can see, we respect and preserve the ancestral wisdom associated with bulk sales, continuing traditional production methodologies and maintaining the identity of traditional products, while responding to the consumer's need to know the origin, composition and validity of the products they acquire and to have an ergonomic product.
Key objectives for inclusion
Sustainability | Aesthetics | Inclusion, a tale FOR ALL:
GsPFL represents an important and necessary step towards Society 5.0, as it is a disruptive line based on the premisse that for sustainability (in our case, for ecological detergent consumption) to really became a reality, it has to be accessible FOR ALL, wether in terms of product availability, wether in terms of the products value (€). With GsPFL, the costumer can acquire concentrated detergents, reducing the use of plastic, while also diminishing the carbon footprint of the process. This, in turn, makes the production costs lower, yielding cheaper and more accessible products FOR ALL. It is easy to understand that the small sustainable Hydrossoluble Capsules are easily transported and result in a cheaper product, but it makes sense to better explain how the Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine works:
1.Greendet developed and comercializes the Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine, so we have the know-how on this unique way of selling and dispensing detergents, making the knowledge transfer feasible.
2.The Machine is compact and easily assembled in different urban or rural areas. All community can access its products, thereby promoting inclusiveness.
3.It is possible to remotely control the Machine, and each product´s stock can be controlled in back office, guaranteeing technical support. This also ensures that the operation of this machine is simple, and the users do not require special training to use the dispenser.
Thus, as you can imagine, local, national and even international governments would greatly benefit from adopting and replicating GsPFL. In the long term, this contributes to the general well-being of the population and presents clear social benefits, while boosting environmental education and promoting the adoption of more sustainable practices by ALL.
GsPFL represents an important and necessary step towards Society 5.0, as it is a disruptive line based on the premisse that for sustainability (in our case, for ecological detergent consumption) to really became a reality, it has to be accessible FOR ALL, wether in terms of product availability, wether in terms of the products value (€). With GsPFL, the costumer can acquire concentrated detergents, reducing the use of plastic, while also diminishing the carbon footprint of the process. This, in turn, makes the production costs lower, yielding cheaper and more accessible products FOR ALL. It is easy to understand that the small sustainable Hydrossoluble Capsules are easily transported and result in a cheaper product, but it makes sense to better explain how the Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine works:
1.Greendet developed and comercializes the Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine, so we have the know-how on this unique way of selling and dispensing detergents, making the knowledge transfer feasible.
2.The Machine is compact and easily assembled in different urban or rural areas. All community can access its products, thereby promoting inclusiveness.
3.It is possible to remotely control the Machine, and each product´s stock can be controlled in back office, guaranteeing technical support. This also ensures that the operation of this machine is simple, and the users do not require special training to use the dispenser.
Thus, as you can imagine, local, national and even international governments would greatly benefit from adopting and replicating GsPFL. In the long term, this contributes to the general well-being of the population and presents clear social benefits, while boosting environmental education and promoting the adoption of more sustainable practices by ALL.
Results in relation to category
1)GsPFL dispensing machine, operates with 22g plastic bags containing 10L of concentrated detergents. By diluting each detergent, it is possible to replace 600 plastic containers (of 60g each), decreasing the use of plastic about 1600times. If we did not develop this formula, we would need 36000g of plastic to carry the amount of detergent we carry in each 22g plastic bag.This makes clear that CO2 emissions associated with transporting our detergents are significantly reduced. This is also important for our retailers as they need 100x less space to store detergents: the concentrated detergent we put in each 22g bag occupies 0.02m3 and represents the same amount of detergent that would take 2m3 to store (if not concentrated). 2)Hydrossoluble Capsules weights 10g and after being dissolved (by che client) result in 500mL of detergent. This technologies are beyond state-of-the-art compared with other detergents present in the market, being that the unique selling point and differentiator is that i) less plastic and detergents are needed ii) less CO2 is emitted and iii) a more sustainable (economically and environmentally) product can be obtained. Replicating this project means contributing to a more sustainable detergents production and consumption and leads to ‘green growth’ (the quantity of products may be increased but not at the expense of high-volume emissions). GsPFL relies on new technology development and know-how that can integrate a circular economy platform. All this measures are significant as we know that as part of the EGD, the EU has committed to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 55% percent by the year 2030 (compared 1990´s levels). GsPFL was designed to work within the EU’s plan to revise its climate, energy and transport-related legislation. Several new initiatives have been proposed by the EU, but at the end of the line, technology innovations and the ones responsible for them, are needed to make this ambitious goal a reality.
How Citizens benefit
Aesthetics | Quality of experience | Style beyond functionality, a project´s “rise and shine”.
Since 2009, Greendet provides detergents that are more economical (more accessible), ecological, safe and sustainable and with the GsPFL, we can now go way further. This line is based on needs expressed by our community.
To reach all citizens who use detergents, we have to keep close contact, so we daily perform informal “in person inquiry” and check reviews on our website and social media accounts.
In person inquiry occurs in daily contacts with our costumers and at specific events, like:
- Greenfest (https://greenfest.pt/), the largest sustainability event in Portugal, that exists for 16 years.There, we have added stories, ideas, inspiration, innovation and friendships. We are together on a journey to build a more sustainable home, country and planet.
- “Circular Vinte e três (linktr.ee/coimbracircular)”, an event that aims to offer a unique experience on sustainability and circular economy for participants, volunteers, exhibitors and the entire community. With various activities, such as dynamics, lectures and workshops, this event seeks to attract local policy makers, investors, entrepreneurs and the community to reflect and debate about circularity and entrepreneurial advances in the circular economy. Furthermore, the initiative aims to raise public awareness to the importance of this topic, emphasizing the potential of multicultural research and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation. This event also aims to publicize and increase consciousness and sustainable production brands in the region, in the search of a greater common well-being for all of society.
- Cidade do zero (https://www.facebook.com/Cidadedozero), an event with the motto sustainability and the objective to share, in a relaxed way, the best that is done in Portugal, when it comes to social and environmental responsibility.
Since 2009, Greendet provides detergents that are more economical (more accessible), ecological, safe and sustainable and with the GsPFL, we can now go way further. This line is based on needs expressed by our community.
To reach all citizens who use detergents, we have to keep close contact, so we daily perform informal “in person inquiry” and check reviews on our website and social media accounts.
In person inquiry occurs in daily contacts with our costumers and at specific events, like:
- Greenfest (https://greenfest.pt/), the largest sustainability event in Portugal, that exists for 16 years.There, we have added stories, ideas, inspiration, innovation and friendships. We are together on a journey to build a more sustainable home, country and planet.
- “Circular Vinte e três (linktr.ee/coimbracircular)”, an event that aims to offer a unique experience on sustainability and circular economy for participants, volunteers, exhibitors and the entire community. With various activities, such as dynamics, lectures and workshops, this event seeks to attract local policy makers, investors, entrepreneurs and the community to reflect and debate about circularity and entrepreneurial advances in the circular economy. Furthermore, the initiative aims to raise public awareness to the importance of this topic, emphasizing the potential of multicultural research and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation. This event also aims to publicize and increase consciousness and sustainable production brands in the region, in the search of a greater common well-being for all of society.
- Cidade do zero (https://www.facebook.com/Cidadedozero), an event with the motto sustainability and the objective to share, in a relaxed way, the best that is done in Portugal, when it comes to social and environmental responsibility.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
GsPFL is a holistic green project that is changing the way our community experiences detergents use. We are sustainably disrupting detergent market and detergent consumption, by diminishing the use of single use plastic in this sector, along with the carbon footprint associated with packaging, transportation and storage that common detergents bear.
GsPFL is a pioneer project, new in the detergents sector, with enormous impact, and potential to be replicated in other countries.
Some innovation key points are related with the especially formulated detergents, the Hydrossoluble Capsules and the production and design of the Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine. The detergent formulas carry the ecolabel certification, and are used in its super concentrated formula, which makes them sustainable and environmentally friendly, but also safe for the consumer. The Machine developed by the project team, is very user friendly and has low energy impact, since it needs only water to produce the detergent, 10 L of concentrated detergent result in 600 L of final product. This machine automatically does the dilution, while also dispensing the label that contains the amount of detergent, mandatory information, price and barcode. There is no need to use a new plastic package, since the consumer takes is own container, and reusability is highly encouraged. This is an unique feature, making it even possible that the product can simply be paid in a self-service paying machine. This makes it simple to use this machine in bigger or smaller retail shops, reaching a larger part of the consumers. GsPFL has it all to change the way consumers buy their detergents, always keeping sustainability in mind.
GsPFL is a pioneer project, new in the detergents sector, with enormous impact, and potential to be replicated in other countries.
Some innovation key points are related with the especially formulated detergents, the Hydrossoluble Capsules and the production and design of the Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine. The detergent formulas carry the ecolabel certification, and are used in its super concentrated formula, which makes them sustainable and environmentally friendly, but also safe for the consumer. The Machine developed by the project team, is very user friendly and has low energy impact, since it needs only water to produce the detergent, 10 L of concentrated detergent result in 600 L of final product. This machine automatically does the dilution, while also dispensing the label that contains the amount of detergent, mandatory information, price and barcode. There is no need to use a new plastic package, since the consumer takes is own container, and reusability is highly encouraged. This is an unique feature, making it even possible that the product can simply be paid in a self-service paying machine. This makes it simple to use this machine in bigger or smaller retail shops, reaching a larger part of the consumers. GsPFL has it all to change the way consumers buy their detergents, always keeping sustainability in mind.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
GsPFL´s success relies on the partners involved.
DESIGN: Each technical was an expert in its own area, having proven knowledge and academic and economic track records of different disciplines, such as chemistry, chemical engineering, process engineering, electrochemical engineering, design, and sustainability analysis. This broad multidisciplinary approach contributed to improve the feasibility and success of the products and the Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine. Moreover, Greendet is an established company in detergents production, having a considerable market and a wide range of products to be commercialized, which ensures that the knowledge produced will translate into validated processes with the potential to be applied in industry. GsPFL contemplates a sustainable, ecological and safe strategy to produce and sell detergents, clearly addressing the current global challenges we are faced with.
IMPLEMENTATION:GsPFL´s products were tested by retailers and clients.
The interaction between industry, academy, technicals, retailers and clients, worked in a complementary way, periodically evaluating the project progress, having input from all the partners, and weighing the pros and cons of each decision as a group.
DESIGN: Each technical was an expert in its own area, having proven knowledge and academic and economic track records of different disciplines, such as chemistry, chemical engineering, process engineering, electrochemical engineering, design, and sustainability analysis. This broad multidisciplinary approach contributed to improve the feasibility and success of the products and the Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine. Moreover, Greendet is an established company in detergents production, having a considerable market and a wide range of products to be commercialized, which ensures that the knowledge produced will translate into validated processes with the potential to be applied in industry. GsPFL contemplates a sustainable, ecological and safe strategy to produce and sell detergents, clearly addressing the current global challenges we are faced with.
IMPLEMENTATION:GsPFL´s products were tested by retailers and clients.
The interaction between industry, academy, technicals, retailers and clients, worked in a complementary way, periodically evaluating the project progress, having input from all the partners, and weighing the pros and cons of each decision as a group.
Methodology used
The main driver for GsPFL, was Greendet´s CEO, Saul Silva´s mission: “to adopt ways to meet our needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” and Greendet's focus on the search and distribution of more sustainable, economical, ecological and safe solutions.
It all started with a clear objectives deffinition:
1)To have no microplastics or other harmful chemicals at the raw materials.
2)To develop an Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine.
3)To have 100% recyclable cardboard packaging for powder detergents.
4)To develop a range of Hydrossoluble Capsules of concentrated detergents to be dissolved, by the client, in situ (at home).
To meet these needs, Greendet, together with the partners from:
i)“Universidade de Coimbra”, experts in surfactants and colloid chemistry, the formulas, the capsules and their production were developed and optimized. At this step, we got detergents to be directly commercialized and further diluted easily. Having obtained this concentrated product, a scale-up of its production was developed, to obtain them in significant amounts (at Greendet, an industry experienced in the industrial production of detergents). The distribution of these detergents was also something that this project addressed, and the goal was to make it sustainable, easily, and widely accessible to the consumers.
ii)“Balansys” (experts in the development of automated systems) ande some local stores (Greendet partners) helped develop our Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine. Prototipes were tested (by clients) in real commercial spaces.
We established synergies and believe that these types of collaborations should always be privileged and that they result in successful endeavours.
GsPFL can be further implemented at a national and international level.
It all started with a clear objectives deffinition:
1)To have no microplastics or other harmful chemicals at the raw materials.
2)To develop an Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine.
3)To have 100% recyclable cardboard packaging for powder detergents.
4)To develop a range of Hydrossoluble Capsules of concentrated detergents to be dissolved, by the client, in situ (at home).
To meet these needs, Greendet, together with the partners from:
i)“Universidade de Coimbra”, experts in surfactants and colloid chemistry, the formulas, the capsules and their production were developed and optimized. At this step, we got detergents to be directly commercialized and further diluted easily. Having obtained this concentrated product, a scale-up of its production was developed, to obtain them in significant amounts (at Greendet, an industry experienced in the industrial production of detergents). The distribution of these detergents was also something that this project addressed, and the goal was to make it sustainable, easily, and widely accessible to the consumers.
ii)“Balansys” (experts in the development of automated systems) ande some local stores (Greendet partners) helped develop our Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine. Prototipes were tested (by clients) in real commercial spaces.
We established synergies and believe that these types of collaborations should always be privileged and that they result in successful endeavours.
GsPFL can be further implemented at a national and international level.
How stakeholders are engaged
Within GsPFL, although the main idea was developed by Greendet, and the company has all the know-how and intellectual property, partner teams were included in the development and execution process. To develop new formulas of concentrated detergents, that carry the ecolabel seal, a collaboration with the University of Coimbra was established. This university, one of the oldest in Europe, has a long stand tradition in product development and in technology transfer. Greendet collaborated with the Macromolecules and Colloids group from the chemistry department as well as the CIEPQPF group from the chemical engineering department. This collaboration with academic experts, allows a rational approach to detergents development and to have specific and tailor-made products. The whole process is tested and optimized for detergent production to be efficient, fast, economic, and sustainable.
Concerning the machine assembly and development, Greendet also collaborated with a team of experts from Coimbra- Balansys, composed by electrotechnical engineers who have large experience in this type of automated systems development. The labels were developed by a marketing and design agency-Rise. Local collaborations were established, mainly around Coimbra region, and both technical and academic experts participated in this project, showing that it is truly multidisciplinary.
In order to develop our Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine, prototipes were tested by retailers and clients.
The established synergies show that these types of collaborations should always be privileged and that they result in successful endeavours.
Concerning the machine assembly and development, Greendet also collaborated with a team of experts from Coimbra- Balansys, composed by electrotechnical engineers who have large experience in this type of automated systems development. The labels were developed by a marketing and design agency-Rise. Local collaborations were established, mainly around Coimbra region, and both technical and academic experts participated in this project, showing that it is truly multidisciplinary.
In order to develop our Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine, prototipes were tested by retailers and clients.
The established synergies show that these types of collaborations should always be privileged and that they result in successful endeavours.
Global challenges
Within GsPFL, 1st Greendet, 2nd our (commercial and research) partners and 3rd (but not last) our community are all committed to promote a more conscious and sustainable consumption of detergents and related products. This addresses several global challenges, particularly in Climate action, Health and a Responsible use of water. Also, GsPFL makes it possible for a wide range of population to easily access sustainable products and allows the consumer to choose the type of detergent, its amount and its container, providing a more adapted product fit for each different consumer profile. As the dispensing machine is easy to assemble and to operate, it can be installed in geographically isolated places, giving the population access to these products. Also, as the process is totally automated, the consumer can easily obtain the detergent, controlling each aspect of the process. If industrial consumers are considered, the installation of this dispensing machine would provide easy access to detergents and reduce costs of buying traditional detergents. It is important to stress that, by providing these solutions, PlasticFree is developed keeping environmental and economical sustainability. The replication and dissemination of PlasticFree can be the catalyst for society and political reforms while changing consumption habits.
Learning transferred to other parties
TECNOLOGICAL AND SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS: GsPFL can be replicated easily and as Greendet detains the know-how, it is able to transfer all the technology. Since the detergent formulation was developed between partners Greendet and Universidade de Coimbra, it is assured that this team can formulate and develop detergents with tailor-made properties, suitable for any other applications and consumers. The Automated Detergent Dispenser and Self-Service Machine, on its hand, is also able to be assembled and constructed easily, and fitted to any space or purpose. It only requires electrical power and a source of water to function, so it can be assembled in any type of store, space or geography (this Machine works with all types of water).
CREATION OF CIVIC AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT ON SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES: GsPFL strongly believes that this encourages consumers and companies to adopt more environmental conscience and sustainable behaviour, towards detergents consumption. This can for sure be replicated, as there is an increasing awareness that global resources are finite and carbon dioxide emissions must be reduced. With the dissemination and replication of the developed dispensing machine, hydrossoluble capsules of concentrated detergent and further detergents, in other regions and countries, GsPFL is promoting these actions.
CREATION OF CIVIC AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT ON SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES: GsPFL strongly believes that this encourages consumers and companies to adopt more environmental conscience and sustainable behaviour, towards detergents consumption. This can for sure be replicated, as there is an increasing awareness that global resources are finite and carbon dioxide emissions must be reduced. With the dissemination and replication of the developed dispensing machine, hydrossoluble capsules of concentrated detergent and further detergents, in other regions and countries, GsPFL is promoting these actions.
Keywords
Circular economy
Less space and plastic
Reduce | Recycle | Reuse
Sustainable detergents
Reduce Transport, so Low CO2 Emission
