sustainability – White Orchid Insights

ENTREPRENEUR SERIES – Bas Fransen CEO & Founder of EcoMatcher

Mellissa Wheeler — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 11:58:22 +0000

INSIGHTS ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Sarah Keates sits down with Bas Fransen, CEO and Founder of EcoMatcher

How do you define success?

Succeeding in something you value important that does not come easy.

What has a lack of travel and/or easy mobility taught you and how has it affected your business?

Inability to travel taught me that ZOOM/Teams/Google calls are more efficient, and more effective; it has not negatively impacted the business, it probably has helped the business as we now talk to more people more frequently.

What are your corporate values?

Respect, trust, honesty, and ingenuity.

What are your personal values?

Respect, trust, honesty, and ingenuity.

Has your vision for EcoMatcher changed since you started the company?

No.

What are your passions?

Building and leading teams, new technologies, field hockey.

What can we expect from you and EcoMatcher next?

A much bigger footprint as we will partner with more foundations planting trees, and with more and bigger customers.

What are some of the challenges you face now?

Supply of trees, as demand is bigger than we can currently supply.

What do you hope your legacy will be?

Have planted together with partners and customers over 1 billion trees.

If people want to hear about what is next for you and EcoMatcher, what channels can we follow?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basfransenhk/

JetClub flies into a sustainable future with Bye Aerospace ‘eFlyer 800’ electric aircraft

Sarah Keates — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 12:43:17 +0000

London, June 2021 – Europe’s first light jet fractional ownership brand, JetClub, has confirmed the addition of the Bye Aerospace electric eFlyer 800 to its fleet, marking a momentous milestone in sustainability for the aviation, travel and tourism industries.

An 8-seat, all electric, twin turboprop aircraft, the eFlyer 800 paves the way for the future of aviation by offering a more innovative and sustainable mode of travel. With businesses prioritising responsible travel more than ever, this all-electric option is a great solution for sustainable tourism and helps to reconcile essential business travel concerns about climate change.

JetClub CEO & Co-Founder, Vishal Hiremath commented: “Sustainability is a core pillar of the JetClub and Jet It philosophy. Innovation in this context aligns with our future vision for the group, which is toward resilient, zero emission and affordable private travel. While private aviation contributes only 0.04% of global emissions, we are working towards zero percent. The past two years of exponential growth of the brand in the US has shown us that business travel is essential to protect jobs and economies, but not at the expense of the environment. As passionate aviators, we are excited about finding solutions for the future of aviation. With the addition of the eFlyer 800 to our fleet, we take a leap forward in our sustainability goals.”

Slated to be in operation by 2025, the eFlyer’s configuration consists of up to seven passengers and one or two pilots. The eFlyer 800 will have only one-fifth the operating costs of traditional twin turboprops and is geared for the air-taxi, air-cargo, regional and charter aircraft markets.

Key features of the eFlyer 800 include up to 320 knots cruise speed, 35,000 feet ceiling and 500 nm range with 45-minute IFR reserves. Enhanced safety features include two wing-mounted electric motors, each with dual redundant motor windings, quad-redundant battery packs and a full airplane parachute. Additional features include emergency auto-landing system, artificial intelligence and an option for supplemental power solar cells and in-wheel electric taxi.

George Bye, Founder and CEO of Bye Aerospace commented “We have developed an aircraft that meets the needs of our growing global population without compromising the environment. Innovation exists to serve humanity and the planet, and we believe that electric flight is a meaningful step forward in aviation sustainability. Through the partnership with JetClub, we look forward to rolling out electric flight in Europe and Asia.”

Beyond the business aviation sector, 64% of global consumers want to travel sustainably and 76% of consumers are expected to be more concerned about sustainability after COVID*. While current methods of aviation sustainability include purchasing carbon credits to offset carbon emissions, by committing to operate the eFlyer 800, JetClub is making a paradigm shift in the way people fly sustainably in the future.

*Source: earth-changers.com

About JetClub

JetClub is an innovative business aviation company with a private jet usage model that combines the newest jet aircraft with a sharing economy to provide members with an affordable, private, fast and intelligent solution. Client members have the flexibility and convenience of owning a business jet without undergoing the traditional hassles of administration, operations and expenses. JetClub has a dedicated flight operations team to take care of pilot training, maintenance, logistics and international operations. A world class concierge team manages all travel details and provides best in class service and trip support. JetClub is co-founded by Vishal Hiremath and Glenn Gonzales for the Asia, Europe and South American regions. More information available at https://www.jetclubgroup.com.

About Jet It

Jet It utilizes a hybrid-fractional ownership model based on days – not hours – which provides owners with the freedom to use the fleet freely Jet It can customize your day as you see fit. A Jet It owner based in Chicago, IL picked up a client in Savannah, GA, flew to a meeting in Atlanta, GA, stopped in Hilton Head, SC for some fresh seafood, then flew back to Chicago, IL all in one day. This trip would have been impossible with commercial travel, incredibly expensive to charter, and impactful for an individual using a jet card program. This is one of several examples of how Jet It owners utilize their jet to increase productivity and value. More information can be obtained by visiting https://www.gojetit.com/

About Bye Aerospace

Based at Centennial Airport near Denver, Colorado, Bye Aerospace specializes in the design and manufacture of electric aircraft, including the eFlyer family of aircraft. Bye Aerospace, named “2020 Small Business of the Year” by the Aurora, Colo. Chamber of Commerce and recognized as “Most Innovative” in the 2020 Made in Colorado awards sponsored by ColoradoBiz magazine, was founded by George E. Bye, who is also the Chairman and CEO.

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JetPack Aviation VTOL Goes Green Zero Net Carbon Fuel Powers Personal Flight

Sarah Keates — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 11:22:01 +0000

Ventura, CA. 1 June 2021. JetPack Aviation, JPA, developer of the world’s first FAA-certified personal turbine JetPack announces today a cooperative supply agreement with Prometheus Fuels Inc., inventors of the Titan Fuel Forge, which makes zero net carbon “fuel from the air”.

Continuing its technology sprint towards environmentally responsible, personal flight mobility, JPA has made a commitment to using 100% carbon neutral fuel for its fleet of JetPacks and Speeder™ aircraft. Using solar and wind generated electricity, the Prometheus Titan Fuel Forge reclaims atmospheric carbon through a proprietary process that strips CO2 molecules from the air and “energizes” them into hydrocarbons which can be made into any type of fuel.

“We are living in an age of extraordinarily rapid technical advancement for personal flight” said David Mayman, JPA Founder and CEO. “And along with that advancement comes increased responsibility for corporations to keep our planet clean, safe, and healthy for all its citizens. Our engineering team takes that obligation very seriously which is why we are so excited to be working with the visionaries at Prometheus Fuels.”

JetPack Aviation is currently in the advanced development phase of The Speeder™, an eight-turbine heavy-lift VTOL. The Speeder™ will save lives by reducing the time EMS and First Responders take to reach and extract disaster victims. The Speeder™ is also uniquely positioned for urban and rural fire fighting, providing both a means to reach upper floors in high rise buildings and unprecedented accessibility to remote conflagrations including mountain forest fires and hazardous industrial sites.

Unlike current experimental vehicles utilizing batteries for electric propulsion, The Speeder™ is capable of lifting 600lbs of cargo and/or passengers while maintaining an ultra small footprint requiring less than 10×10 ft of takeoff/landing space and flying at more than 250mph. This combination of extreme lift and small size is not achievable with current battery technology, and it is not expected to be so for many years. Turbine engines are proven, tested technology which combined with JPAs proprietary on-board engine-control computers will deliver critical support to these essential markets.

“We’re excited to be part of JetPack Aviation’s innovation in the technology of high-performance personal flight,” said Rob McGinnis, Prometheus Founder and CEO. “We want to enable human exploration, adventure, and achievement that doesn’t harm the planet, and powering JPA’s JetPack and Speeder with our zero net carbon fuels is the perfect embodiment of that goal.”

About JetPack Aviation
JetPack Aviation is on a mission to bring personal air mobility to every individual on the planet. As the engineering leader in small turbine-powered personal VTOL aircraft, the California based company made the world’s first FAA approved JetPack flight in 2015 around the Statue of Liberty. Since then, the JPA JetPack Flight Team has flown at events across the globe including at Formula 1 races in front of 300,000 awestruck spectators.
www.jetpackaviation.com

About Prometheus Fuels
Prometheus is a Silicon Valley energy startup that removes CO2 from the air and turns it into zero net carbon gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel that are superior to fossil fuels at a lower price.
www.prometheusfuels.com

Media Contact for Jet Pack Aviation
Arena Group Associates – Jane Stanbury
Jane@arenagroupassociates.com
+1 438 998 1668
+44 7803 296046

Media Contact for Prometheus Fuels
Amanda Martinez
amanda@prometheusfuels.com

3 Reasons Why Sustainability Matters in Marketing and How it Affects Revenue

Sarah Keates — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:34:23 +0000

Sustainability is more than just a buzz word in marketing, it’s driven by government targets and consumer sentiment and is here to stay. But other than avoiding getting left behind and doing the right thing by the environment, what are the financial incentives in being more sustainable? And how important is sustainability to your marketing and PR efforts?

According to a study from HSBC, 86% of companies expect their sales to grow over the next year from a greater focus on sustainability. While less than half of businesses (41%) expect increased growth of up to 5% over the next year, for a sizeable minority the opportunity is far greater. More than a quarter (28%) expect sustainability to boost growth by between 5% and 10%; and one in six (17%) expect increased growth more than 10%.

Why? While pressure from external influences, including government, supply chains, and the media is mounting, the single largest influence is from consumers. For almost all businesses, purchasing trends have shifted enormously. Gone are the days of marketers simply stating a product’s benefits and revenue rolling in. Consumers now have sophisticated needs and changing trends call for a different approach.

Consumers are actively engaged in the brands that they choose to buy from. They scrutinise and analyse the company’s values and their expectations of brand integrity are extremely high. In short, a brand must not only have a clear set of values but a narrative, culture, and actions to support them.

To complicate matters, not all markets play by the same rules. For example, in China, luxury brands have grown 50% in 2020, despite massive losses in all other global markets. Why? Consumers have developed their own rules for how to access and engage with brands. These rules, which include consumers purchasing from influencers and online channels including WeChat and Weibo do not work elsewhere, globally. What works in China can damage brand equity elsewhere, so a localised strategy is essential.

So, why does sustainability matter and how can companies get all stakeholders, including investors on board?

1. Sustainability boosts growth

According to Forrester Research, companies that state they are growing say they see the greatest opportunities from improving sustainability performance. Most businesses recognise it will create short and long term commercial opportunities, boosting growth.

2. Get your marketing aligned with consumer trends

Sustainability is a big trend in the packaged goods and fashion industry as environmental concerns are increasingly top of mind for consumers. The U.S. sustainability market alone is projected to reach $150 billion in sales by the end of 2021, according to Nielsen. In Hong Kong, where White Orchid Insights (WOI) is based and serves several players in this space, there is a growing community around sustainability and the brands that genuinely and authentically operate in this space. But be careful before you state sustainable claims in your marketing. Consumers are well-informed and “green-washing” (the process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company’s products are sustainable) will not be tolerated. This does not mean you need to stay silent on the topic if you have improvements to make in your sustainability plan. Start by defining a strategy to become more sustainable, ensure it’s fair, accurate, and transparent, and be sure to include it in your marketing and communications plans. Your customers will respect and value your honesty and effort, even if your sustainability programme is a work in progress.

3. Time to future-proof your business

Resources and waste removal will become exponentially more expensive. Businesses that have planned sustainable solutions will avoid rising costs and potential pitfalls if certain resources should become scarce. Whilst this may seem a far off reality, tax incentives and penalties are already in place for certain practices. The sooner you can future-proof your business, the better.

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Removing Microplastics – Eco Glitter HK Brings Sparkle and Sustainability to Hong Kong Events

Sarah Keates — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 07:52:36 +0000

You own Mirrorball Productions and Eco Glitter HK, tell us a little about yourself, Valerie

I grew up in Russia in a circus family, with both of my parents working as artists, travelling the world. I started my gymnastics and circus training at the age of 5, and at the age of six, I made my stage debut in Russia.

When I was 13, I started performing professionally. Since then, I have travelled the world performing in various shows, focusing on corporate and private events. For almost 20 years I worked with clients including Christian Louboutin, Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, Virgin, Skoda, Adidas and Reebok, Stella McCartney, Toyota, NYX, Legal and General, Morgan Stanley, Swarovski and many more. I have performed in venues such as the Sydney Opera House, London’s Science, British and Natural Museums, The Royal Palace, Richard Branson’s Necker Island, One and Only Reethi Raa, Maldives, Arena Stages Worldwide with ‘Batman Live’ and the London Olympic Opening Ceremony 2012 to name a few.

In 2014 I created an original act called ‘The Mirror Ball Act’ (www.mirrorballact.com) which involves performing handstands and contortion on a 1m Mirror Ball! The act is now a great success and is franchised around the world and performed by carefully selected artists in the UK, Germany, and Australia, with me performing the act in Hong Kong and the wider Asian market.

I am now based in Hong Kong after coming here to work as an artist manager for a show at Ocean Park. In 2020, I pivoted into various industries, one of them being a gymnastics and circus/aerial coach. I am passionate to pass on my love for fitness and I have completed an exercise to music qualification in the UK as well as the X-Pole Children’s Aerial certification to fully understand how to deliver classes safely and effectively to all ages!

How did Eco Glitter HK get started?

As a performer and event entertainment provider, I use glitter a lot, for example, in my make-up, costumes and props. I wanted to use an environmentally friendly glitter alternative for my events and performances but I could not find a suitable solution in Hong Kong. That is when I started to research things further and decided to create Eco Glitter HK to offer this option to consumers, not just for events, but also for use in different businesses as well as for parents looking to use sustainable glitter in the arts and crafts!

I now want to combine my passion for the arts, events, sustainability, and glitter and create truly unforgettable experiences for kids and adults with our Eco Glitter events services!

What is the difference between Eco Glitter and “regular” glitter?

Eco Glitter HK uses the world’s only certified fresh-water biodegradable glitter brand Bioglitter™. This certification cuts through the confusing, and often misleading sustainability jargon used when selling many ‘eco-friendly’ products, avoiding confusing consumers.

Cosmetic Bioglitter™ replaces the polyester film used in traditional cosmetic glitter with a special form of cellulose extracted from hardwoods, primarily eucalyptus sourced from responsibly managed and certified plantations operating to PEFC™ www.pefc.org standards. Cosmetic Bioglitter™ PURE utilises our unique mineral and naturally derived coating. Bioglitter Pure is also the World’s first 100% plastic free glitter certified by TÜV Austra, ‘OK Biodegradable WATER’ certification.

We will soon be launching our Eco Glitter Deco and Crafts Range, which will bring biodegradable glitter to consumers looking to use glitter for craft projects as well as for printing, coating, and other effect applications in products at a more affordable price.

Glitter and microplastics could be perceived as insignificant, is it really such a problem?

Sustainability isn’t about being perfect, it’s about everyone consciously making an effort to be better. Making small changes at home can be a great way to engage and empower children to understand the planet, and how to protect it. With Eco Glitter, parents are happy that they can use a eco-friendly product that’s still fun.

Going back to the “is it a big problem?” question, the biggest issue with regular plastic based glitter is that it contributes to producing microplastics that can attract toxic chemicals in the environment, acting as a sponge that can concentrate these chemicals and then enter the food chain.

As traditional plastic based glitter is typically less than 5mm in size and made from plastic, it is a primary microplastic. This, combined with how glitter is used in some applications can contribute to plastic pollution in the natural environment.

Glitter is a very small part of the microplastic problem facing our environment however it is an important step in the right direction in terms of awareness.

What can Hong Kong’s event scene expect from Eco Glitter HK?

As we specialise in events and entertainment, we want to bring Eco Glitter to the events market by providing Eco Glitter stations for events and festivals as well as private parties both large and small, so that you can get your festival kick without leaving Hong Kong! We aim to deliver sustainable event party services for kids and adults in HK, mixing glitter, resin art, circus, acting and dance and much more!

We also plan to deliver monthly workshops for kids and adults where you can mix your own glitter colours and gels and learn about microplastics and sustainability. Our workshops will include guest artists and offer something different each month so that it is always entertaining and educational. All workshops will include our Eco Glitter Station make up service!

If you want to get your hands on some Eco Glitter yourself, head to our website where you can purchase both the Eco Glitter Cosmetic Range and the Eco Glitter Deco / Crafts Range to use in your own projects. Our Eco Glitter Cosmetic Range can be used in make-up and skin care products, bath and body products, nail art, hair and of course, events!

Our Eco Glitter Deco and Crafts Range is suitable for home craft projects, school art projects, decorations for events and products and much more.

What does Eco Glitter HK cost?

Eco Glitter Cosmetic Range starts at $50 for 5g and is offered in various sizes and packages.

Eco Glitter Deco and Craft Range starts at $150 for 25g and also comes in different packages which start at $175 HKD for 3 colours!

We offer event packages which start at $4000.

Our online Eco Glitter Arts and Crafts Workshops feature uniquely designed craft boxes that include 4 weeks-worth of activities for $550 HKD! We have combined forces with The Petit Pelican for those who are as passionate about the environment as we are. It is a fellow Lamma Island-based business that we are keen to support!

Is Hong Kong ahead or behind the curve of sustainability?

I believe Hong Kong is on the right track in terms if sustainability. I see a lot of great brands and individuals doing their bit and hopefully this will continue to grow with positive change following suit. It is all about offering education to the public and the chance to use sustainable products and services. We hope we can contribute to that change!

You work with your husband, what does he bring to the brand?

Chris brings his expertise in theatre arts to Eco Glitter HK and Mirrorball Productions events. His approach ensures an immersive element of storytelling, making our workshops memorable and interactive experiences! We can customise any event to suit a theme and bring characters to host. For example, crazy scientist, superhero, or even Shakespeare themed workshops. Chris’ energy is infectious and his ability to draw out creativity in adults and kids is something our customers speak very highly of.

Chris has 20 years of acting experience, performing in top-class productions such as Batman Live World Arena Tour by Warner Brothers and DC Comics playing the Riddler, which appeared in venues such as the O2 arena in London; the Staples Centre, Los Angeles, and other countries; Brazil, Chile, Dubai, Australia, Abu Dhabi, and many European countries. Christopher has also appeared in commercials and voiceovers for TV and radio across the U.K and China.

Improvisation is Christopher’s specialty. Chris taught drama and improvisation for the BBC and in top UK drama schools including the Royal Academy of Music and the Oxford School of Drama, one of the top five drama schools in the world. Awards from the Royal Television Society and Channel 4 Laughs were achieved as part of the Suggestibles, renowned improvisation team, creating experimental improvised shows, pantomimes, films and musicals. Christopher was awarded the 2017 North East England Best Actor, awarded by the British Theatre Guide and nominated for Actor of the Year UK in 2019.

Where can we find out more?

You can visit our website: www.ecoglitterhk.com and follow us on Instagram @ecoglitterhk

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