Palm oil has been responsible for deforestation, huge carbon emissions, and running native people out of their home. However, as more and more people are trying to avoid the product, these Scottish entrepreneurs have come up with a clever way to replace palm oil.
Getting The Idea
Fergus Moore and Scott Kennedy were working together in coffee shops while studying at college. However, they noticed something: the incredible amount of waste caused by used coffee grounds. In fact, these coffee grounds can lead to half a million tons of waste in the U.K. alone. Fergus and Scott soon realized they could use the oil from the grounds rather than send it to landfills.
Many Uses
Household products, food and drink, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics – it looks as though palm oil is used in a whole host of things! However, that means that Fergus and Scott’s coffee oil could be about to affect many markets across the world. All they need to do is extract the oil from the used coffee grounds, and they could soon have a replacement for palm oil that will help to save thousands of acres of land in the long run.
Creating Their Product
The two entrepreneurs know what they want, and they know their replacement for palm oil will have some significant effects on many people’s lives. Now, Fergus and Scott just need to find a way to bring their dream to life. The pair have been working on a chemical technique that will be able to extract the oils from all the used coffee grounds.
Competing For The Prize
It looks as though there’s plenty on the line for Fergus and Scott thanks to their new way to replace palm oil. The pair have invested in their startup company, Revive Eco, in the hopes of taking their idea around the world, but that’s not all. They have also been chosen to represent Ireland and Scotland in the 2019 Chivas Venture. Now, 20 global initiatives are competing for a grand prize of $1 million.
Some of us spend our lives improving the world. Now, it looks as though these Scottish entrepreneurs could be about to change it all thanks to their clever way to replace palm oil. Sometimes, it can be everyday items that give us the biggest inspiration.