The Business and Industry Major Group (BIMG) published the BIMG Beacon Projects Report 2024 on the 27th of February, focusing on business-led innovations that foster sustainability and tackle environmental and social challenges and showcasing examples from across the BIMG global community of partnerships and collaborations.

Five SEED Low-Carbon and Climate Adaptation Winners and Runners-up have been selected as best practice examples of innovative strategies to tackle climate change, nature loss and pollution, while also contributing to local community development through job creation and livelihood enhancement.

All five enterprises have received business development training though the SEED Catalyser or Accelerator Programmes to refine their business models and optimise their environmental, social and economic impacts, and improve their investment readiness.

Wuchi Wami, a Zambian honey brand, stands out for its pioneering business model that combines modern beekeeping techniques with forest conservation efforts. By utilizing soft wood beehives instead of traditional methods that require tree felling, Wuchi Wami not only preserves forests but also empowers local communities by providing training and equipment to small-scale farmers.

In Uganda, Ecoplastile's circular economy model transforms plastic waste into sustainable construction materials, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials. By integrating waste collection with a mobile app-based reward system, Ecoplastile creates economic opportunities for waste-pickers while addressing plastic pollution.

Farmers Fresh Zone in India has revolutionized agricultural supply chains by leveraging technology to reduce food waste and increase farmer incomes. Their business model focuses on optimizing the farm-to-fork journey through training, guidance, and technological support for farmers, resulting in improved food quality and reduced carbon footprint.

MYCL-Indonesia has developed a mycelium-based leather substitute that offers a green alternative, reducing carbon emissions and conserving water resources. Collaborating with over 50 international brands, they aim to produce a low-carbon leather substitute using mycelium technology, showcased at events like Paris Fashion Week.

In Botswana, Botejana Enterprises champions sustainability through glass recycling. Converting discarded bottles into high-quality silica sand, they mitigate waste accumulation and promote eco-friendly practices, while partnering with local communities and empowering women in the idustry.

These enterprises, recognised, awarded and trained by SEED and now showcased in the BIMG Beacon Projects Report, exemplify the transformative potential of sustainable business models in addressing global challenges. Through collaboration and innovation, they pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.