Overview

P2G is a research / impact creation project consortium led by Centre for Industrial Sustainability, Institute for Manufacturing, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge in collaboration with Impact Hub Kathmandu and FabLab Nepal since 2022.

We aim to build two types of Waste Hub: The P2G Himalayan Community Waste Hub for the micro-scale remanufacturing units in the isolated mountain regions (Himalaya), and the P2G Super Press Waste Hub for larger quantity upcycling in the flat regions (Terai).

P2G is part of the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) programme, funded by UK Aid, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

P2G Innovation Wheel

The P2G Innovation Wheel illustrates the innovation system framework we implement for the local plastic upcycling business in Nepal. The system focuses on fostering local innovation and distributed remanufacturing to create self-sustaining businesses in the local communities.

The framework integrates two core activities a) business incubation, which includes business planning, access to finance, master classes and seed money, and b) technical support of prototyping and piloting, knowledge creation and diffusion, and machine optimisation. Surrounding these core activities are layers of innovation management, with key stakeholders such as communities, government, entrepreneurs, pre-processors, and collectors collaborating to support and sustain local businesses within the circular plastic upcycling ecosystems.

Towards the SDGs

P2G joins the forces to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, the P2G is instrumental in creating local jobs, boosting economic resilience, and improving health and housing standards for communities.

P2G helps prevent brain drain by generating meaningful local employment, fostering innovation that can be replicated in other regions. The project champions environmental sustainability by promoting material circularity and reducing CO2 emissions through the decreased use of firewood. Additionally, P2G addresses pollution by preventing the open burning of plastic waste. Through active collaboration with local governments, P2G builds strong partnerships essential for long-term sustainable development. This image captures P2G's multifaceted role in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive future.

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