You step into the elevator to the seventh floor and the business mogul follows right behind you.
A thought crosses my mind…
You've always wanted to get him, but it's hard to get him.
Now you have just a little time to have a conversation with him.
You watch him raise his finger and press the button for the second floor.
It turns out you probably only have 20 seconds to make an impression.
So you straighten up, pat him on the shoulder, and start walking.
You give an elevator pitch.
It is said that people can form an impression of you within the first five seconds.
And that is exactly the impression created by the plastic waste all around us.
Plastics make life easier.
And it's easy to manufacture…
They found many applications…
However, they are difficult to dispose of and become an eyesore.
Plastic waste creates a very negative impression on local communities.
But instead of focusing on waste in your elevator pitch, what if you focused on the opportunity to turn this waste into value?
Back to the elevator pitch…
After patting this VVIP on the shoulder, he generously turned his head with a busy look on his face.
But I'm ready.
Introduce yourself and describe your job in a few words.
Then follow up with a proposal for how you'd like to add value to his business.
Ten seconds later, the elevator doors swung open.
The businessman seemed impressed and scheduled an appointment with you within a week.
He handed you his business card and urged you to call his personal assistant to confirm the meeting.
The brief exchange ends with a firm handshake, as if sealing a multi-million dollar deal.
So when the elevator doors close again, the other passengers give you a look that says, „You finally made it,“ and you know it too.
Three days later, you're sitting in a luxury lounge, ready to be ushered into an air-conditioned office.
This time, I thoroughly planned out what I would say and how I would say it, so I was prepared to respond to any questions.
Apparently, this business guru runs several manufacturing businesses.
But among the many ongoing concerns under his sleeve, Plastic is of interest to you.
He runs a conglomerate that manufactures products from polystyrene.
Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, is a common plastic used to make products such as disposable cups, plates, cutlery, and insulation.
Polystyrene manufacturing provides employment opportunities for many people.
But the waste it creates is uniquely unsightly.
Styrofoam doesn't break down, so it ends up piling up in the trash.
It also accumulates in the waste piles of industries that use it to make products, causing manufacturers to suffer losses.
In fact, manufacturers like this VVIP have a hard time dealing with such waste and that's why he listened to your idea.
There are many opportunities to recycle Styrofoam.
However, only a few companies have shown promising returns.
So what about what you had to say resonated with him?
Well, many recycling efforts are mechanical in nature.
This means turning Styrofoam into seedling trays, egg trays, and even toys and works of art.
But your goal is to apply a little chemistry to the mixture.
Chemical recycling is an alternative method used to process waste that cannot be easily converted into value.
And one area where chemical recycling could be useful is in the production of water softeners using polystyrene.
A water softener basically removes the excess minerals that make water hard: calcium, magnesium, and sulfates.
It uses ion exchange resin, most of which is composed of polystyrene.
However, it is usually chemically modified, Removes water hardness.
Water softeners are considered important in many parts of Kenya.
Water vending businesses are thriving as many middle-class Kenyans choose to purchase soft water in many areas.
But in tough economic times, a water softener could reduce that cost since all you need to do is soften your own water.
Perhaps the mogul saw it as a business opportunity when he gave you the coveted appointment.
The idea is currently being considered and may receive funding.
These and many other business cases await the smiles of those willing to take risks.
Many industries struggle with waste management.
Will any innovator take the plunge and find another use for this waste?
Perhaps these are just waiting for an opportunity to smile at someone brave enough to dream up an idea and propose it to someone who can take it to the next level.
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