PET Heroes 2024: And the Winner Is….

Selecting the winner of PET Heroes 2024 was a challenging task for everyone at the adaPETation® Network, in partnership with Evertis & Selenis. 

We had some superb nominations this year for a wide array of individuals who have made significant strides in reducing plastic waste and promoting the intelligent use of plastic throughout the world.

After thorough deliberation, we are thrilled to announce the recipient of the €10,000 non-dilutive funding, along with the chance to collaborate with The adaPETation® Network to further develop their prototype, business idea, or regenerative venture in 2024.

And the winner is……. 

Rodrigo Eidy Uemura. 

The social entrepreneur behind the success of Litro de Luz, is pioneering a movement that illuminates Brazilian communities using PET bottles.

Litro de Luz not only addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste but also tackles the lack of access to electricity for millions. Uemura’s journey from an entrepreneur passionate about customer-centricity to a leader in social impact demonstrates the transformative power of innovative thinking and community engagement.

By leveraging simple, sustainable technologies, Litro de Luz exemplifies how environmental challenges can be converted into opportunities for societal advancement. 

Uemura’s work is a testament to the belief that organizational and human development are crucial for societal and environmental transformation.

Through Litro de Luz, he is lighting up lives, proving that with creativity and dedication, change is possible.

Lighting Up Lives

Marta Matos Gil, Chief Sustainability Officer at Evertis & Selenis – the main sponsors of the award – expressed her admiration for the initiative: “We are immensely proud to support Rodrigo Eidy Uemura, our PET Hero of 2024. Litro de Luz’s groundbreaking work in bringing light and opportunities to those that need it is deeply aligned with our regenerative journey with PET plastic. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of community and innovation in fostering a sustainable future.”

This year’s award included an exceptional group of nominees. A special mention goes to social impact initiatives like those led by Peter Muthaura, the Human Needs Project in Kibera, Kenya, Khalil Radi’s Buy Food with Plastic in Nicaragua, India and Ghana as well as the African educational initiative Captain Fanplastic led by Ruben Hazelzet.

There were other inspirational initiatives focused on improving living conditions for women in Ghana, and Indonesia led by pioneers Cordie Aziz-Nash and Dian Kurniawati.

Also we were pleased to see some exciting technological solutions like Siddarth Hande’s Kabadiwalla Connect, Reiten Cheng’s Polyformer, Marta Uetela’s medical startup, Biomec. All of our nominees put nature in the picture and people first like the inspirational initiatives Mr Green Africa led by Keiran Smith Nano Morante’s Plastic People and Chioma Ukonu’s impactful environmental project, RecyclePoints.  

All of these trailblazers are redefining our relationship with plastic. Their diverse approaches across continents highlight a shared commitment to sustainable solutions. We celebrate their achievements and encourage everyone to learn more about their inspiring work and thank everyone who cast a vote for their environmental hero.

This Year’s Prize 

As the PET Hero 2024, Litro de Luz will benefit from regenerative insights, business training, communications support, networking opportunities, and €10,000 in non-diluting funding to propel their regenerative ideas forward. 

We are eager to support Rodrigo and his team as they continue to make a significant impact in Brazil and beyond.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the nominees for their dedication and innovative efforts towards a regenerative future. We are excited to collaborate with each one of them as we strive to deepen our collective understanding and application of intelligent plastic use and support regenerative initiatives within the PET polymer industry.

Congratulations once again to Rodrigo Eidy Uemura, our esteemed PET Hero 2024. We look forward to seeing how your project evolves and illuminates the regenerative path for PET plastic across the world.