A project from Bahia creates banana fiber pads and wins the International 'World Without Waste' Award

Innovative solutions from young scientists promoted the Circular Economy and stood out at a Science and Technology Fair

By Arlene Carvalho, Circular Movement

At the 20th edition of the Northeastern Science and Technology Fair (Fenecit), held in October in Camaragibe, Recife's Metropolitan Region (BR), Circular Movement awarded four projects aligned with the principles of the Circular Economy. These works were recognized at the 2024 International World Without Waste Award—now a solid partner of various young scientists' fairs across Latin America.

The award, an initiative of the Circular Movement, aims to identify, value, and highlight innovative solutions created by students and educators that promote the transition to circularity, seeing waste not as garbage but as an opportunity.

Sponsored by Scania, a partner of Circular Movement, the award encourages the creation of more circular societies, highlighting projects that contribute to this sustainable transformation.

The 20th edition of Fenecit brought together 130 finalist projects from Brazil and Latin America, involving over 700 students and 96 teacher mentors. The event also featured 70 affiliated fairs and 8 partners. Fenecit is part of the MILSET ecosystem, the International Movement for Leisure Activities in Science and Technology, which includes more than 90 scientific events around the world.

Check out the winners and honorable mentions:

1st place: Banana Fiber Pad, from the State School Professor Sílvia Ferreira de Brito - Ribeira do Pombal/BA

The grand prize went to the project “Banana Fiber Pads” developed by students from the State School Professor Sílvia Ferreira de Brito, in Ribeira do Pombal, Bahia. The project aims to create sanitary pads for women in vulnerable social situations, using banana fiber as the main raw material. The fiber, abundant in the region and usually wasted, was chosen for its absorption properties. After sterilizing the fiber with hot water and alcohol, the pads were made with layers of hypoallergenic cotton fabric. Absorption tests conducted at the Physics Department of the Federal University of Sergipe confirmed the fiber's effectiveness, highlighting the project for its economic feasibility and promotion of menstrual dignity.
 

2nd place: PET Polymer Eco Brick, from EREM Francisco P. da Costa - Iati/PE

Second place went to the project “PET Polymer Eco Brick” from Iati, Pernambuco. Started in 2022, the project developed sustainable bricks made from recycled PET, sourced from beverage bottles and cleaning product packaging, as an ecological alternative for the construction industry. This year, the focus was on improving the manufacturing process and the bricks' properties to reduce environmental impact and encourage plastic waste recycling. The research brought significant improvements in the bricks' strength and durability, as well as increased production efficiency and reduced costs, emphasizing the project’s economic and environmental viability.
 

3rd place: Low-Cost Mineral Filter, from the State School of Professional Education Antônio Rodrigues de Oliveira - Pedra Branca/CE

The "Low-Cost Mineral Filter" project was developed by a student from the State School of Professional Education Antônio Rodrigues de Oliveira, in Pedra Branca, Ceará. The goal was to create an ecological water treatment using waste from the ornamental stone industry, specifically ocher granite, which is discarded in large quantities in the city, a processing hub. The filter was assembled in a PET bottle, with layers of silicone polymer, ocher granite, sand, and stone. Its effectiveness was validated through physicochemical and microbiological analyses, proving its ability to remove impurities and make water safe for consumption. The project also promoted workshops and lectures, stimulating students' interest in water treatment.
 

Honorable Mention: Sargassole - Production of Sustainable Rubber, from SESI SENAI Carlos Guido Ferrares Lobo Integrated Unit - Maceió/AL

The “Sargassole - Production of Sustainable Rubber” project was developed by students from SESI SENAI Carlos Guido Ferrares Lobo Integrated Unit in Maceió, Alagoas, with the goal of transforming sargassum, a marine algae proliferating due to climate change and improper waste disposal, into biodegradable rubber. The product aims to generate income and jobs for the local community. The process involved collecting algae from coastal areas, mixing natural additives into the compound, and turning the extract into biodegradable rubber through vulcanizing agents. In addition to reducing the environmental impact of algae accumulation on beaches, the project promotes a more conscious and ecologically responsible society.

Social Innovation Specialist, Marina Amorim, is the manager of Circular Movement and was one of the evaluators for the 2024 International World Without Waste Award at Fenecit. For her, the award aims to recognize and give visibility to those already making a difference in circularity. "The winning projects show that it’s possible to create sustainable, innovative solutions that point toward a more circular future. Each year, we are happy to see more projects embracing this theme, a clear sign that the youth are attentive and committed. We hope these examples inspire many others!"

Meanwhile, Maria Carolina Stenico, project manager at Circular Movement and responsible for the World Without Waste Award, highlights the quality of the projects presented. "They bring feasible proposals that not only transform the community in which they live but also have the potential to be replicated in many other regions. These young people are determined to make a difference, and with training in Circular Economy, coupled with the visibility the award provides, we are empowering these youths to become agents of transformation anywhere in Brazil and the world."

In its 20th edition, Fenecit reaffirmed the importance of encouraging young talents and educators in the pursuit of solutions aligned with the Circular Economy. The awarded projects demonstrate how innovation can transform waste into valuable resources, contributing to a circular society. The 2024 International World Without Waste Award, organized by Circular Movement, stands out as an essential platform for giving visibility to these initiatives, encouraging new generations to engage in building a more conscious and circular future.

Later this semester, we will continue discovering new winners at knowledge fairs across Latin America!

About Scania

Scania is a global leader in sustainable transport solutions, with a 128-year history in manufacturing heavy trucks, buses, and industrial and marine engines. Together with its partners and customers, Scania is committed to leading the shift to a more sustainable transport ecosystem, creating a better world of mobility for businesses, society, and the environment.

About Circular Movement

Created in 2020, Circular Movement is a collaborative ecosystem committed to encouraging the transition from a linear to a circular economy. The idea that all resources can be reused and transformed is the motto of the Circular Economy, the basic concept of the movement. Circular Movement is an open initiative that promotes collaborative spaces with the aim of informing individuals and institutions that a waste-free future is possible through education and culture, the adoption of new behaviors, inclusion, and the development of new processes, products, and attitudes. The work is done in partnership with Dow, a chemical, plastics, and agricultural products company based in Michigan, USA. Circular Movement currently impacts 2 million people through its activations and content.

And you? Do you want to learn more about Circular Economy?

If you are interested in learning more about this topic, access Circular Academy, the first free Latin American course on Circular Economy aimed at the general public. Together, in partnership and collaboration, we can make a difference in building a more circular planet.