Finance Monthly July 2019 Edition

usinesses can engage with SDGs by business solutions that bring solutions to society, rather than causing problems. By adopting what Marga Hoek calls a shared value model, they focus on those activities and products that have both a financial return as well as a positive impact on society. By doing good, businesses can also do well, since it unlocks interesting new market opportunities. At the core of shared value are societal and environmental issues which serve as the drivers in propelling profitable shared value business cases across a wide spectrum of industries. As a way of celebrating World Ocean Day (8th June), Marga Hoek, author of The Trillion Dollar Shift, looked at some innovative businesses, that have a positive impact on the ocean and people who live off it by taking on the challenge of improving life below water (SDG 14). ALGIX Using algae to create new products as plastic alternatives. Harmful algal growth, known as algae blooms, is increasingly prevalent. At the same time, the world’s plastic consumption continues to increase. ALGIX brings algae from pond to production, utilising algae blooms to produce alternative plastic-free products made from algae, including 3D filaments for 3D printers and plastic foam which has been made into shoes and backpacks. The company removes algae blooms from ponds and lakes without causing harm or disturbance to fish and plant life. The algae are dried and processed before being combined with plastic resins for filament production. The filament for 3D printing has an algae content of 20%, while the remaining 80% is made from PLA, a nontoxic resin made of lactic acid derived from plant sugars. In 3D printing, using algae-based filament compared to traditional filament requires less energy because of algae filament prints at a lower temperature. B The market value of marine and coastal resources and industries is estimated at US$3 trillion per year, accounting for about 5% of global GDP. Yet, as much as 40% of the oceans are suffering negative effects from human activities, including pollution, depleted fisheries, and loss of coastal habitats because of poor management. Much of that damage has been caused by business, and now, it is an important time for businesses to show their support for life below water, Sustainable Development Goal 14. MAKING LIFE UNDERWATER YOUR BUSINESS Marga Hoek 46 www.finance-monthly.com BUSINESS & BANKING - BUSINESSES TAKING CARE OF OUR OCEANS