Recytic
In these Startup Profiles, we talked to the YSI SEA Fellows of the Innovation Programme 2020 and asked them about their startups, challenges and ideas for a more sustainable future.
Recytic is an enterprise that focuses on completing the plastic lifecycle. From collecting the plastics using the washing recyclable bottles machine and breathing new life into these by turning them into functional lifestyle items. ♻
Recytic is one of the startups in our Innovation Programme 2020. We talked to the YSI SEA Fellow behind Recytic: Andrhea San Gabriel.
.Watch the video below to see her talk about her startup in greater detail! Scroll down for the rest of the interview.
Andrhea is a fulltime student who has actively participated in a number of programs tackling circular economy problems. Her current focus area is of plastic waste.
Her previous project involved the design and development of a machine that washes recyclable bottles.
She has taken her passion for plastic waste to create Recyctic which uses otherwise discarded plastics to create organisational solutions for the busy student such as herself.
What is your idea/startup?
My idea is to revolutionize recycling by turning discarded recyclable plastics into something useful, like jewellery, or even phone cases. Basically, this turns single use trash into reusable treasures.
What made you interested in social impact?
My area of interest is circular economy, with a focus on plastic waste. I’ve personally seen how bad the recycling situation has been in Singapore, with our iconic blue recycling bins overflowing with used tissues, empty food boxes, and bubble tea cups with remnants of milk tea inside. The lack of awareness of the general population is very troubling, and I want to do something about it.
I came into the YSI SEA Innovation Programme with a slightly different focus. I had a machine that would wash recyclable bottles, which would raise awareness. But then I realised that the market of recyclable bottles has not been doing so well; with the prices of recycled bottles decreasing from 10 cents per kilogram to only 4 cents per kilogram. This is barely enough to support anyone. I decided to contribute to this market too, to make plastic more valuable for everybody.
Can you share your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is trying new things, and working up the courage to stand up for what I believe in, even if it’s difficult to achieve. In life, and especially in this entrepreneurial journey, there will be so many naysayers, so many people doubting you and trying to bring you down.
The biggest challenge is continuing to fight for it, and keeping your passion burning, knowing that you are doing something important.
What is success to you?
For me, success isn’t a tangible thing. Success is a state of mind. You know how there’s a saying, “Failure is only a state of mind. You only fail once you give up.” You will continue to be successful if you keep on trying
Catch Andrhea and the rest of the 23 regional impact entrepreneurs at the YSI SEA Demo Day 2020!
