Brazilian project using wood fiber waste to restore soils wins the 2024 International World Without Waste Award

The 3rd edition of the award is organized by the Circular Movement and supported by Scania.

By Arlene Carvalho, from the Circular Movement

The project most aligned with the Circular Economy in 2024 was developed by students from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The winning research of the 2024 International World Without Waste Award was “MDF Regenera,” which transforms wood fiber waste (MDF) accumulated after floods into an innovative soil conditioner by combining MDF fibers and sodium carbonate. This solution aims to restore leached and degraded soils, promoting circularity and waste reuse.

Created by students from the Nossa Senhora da Conceição State Technical School in the city of Cachoeira do Sul and presented at the International Science and Technology Fair (Mostratec) in Novo Hamburgo, both in Rio Grande do Sul, the project is also aligned with the agenda on climate change and disasters, an area the Circular Movement is increasingly focused on, especially with COP30 being hosted in Brazil next year. The results of the award, organized by the Circular Movement and supported by Scania, were announced live on YouTube on Saturday, December 7.

Maria Carolina Stenico, coordinator of the International World Without Waste Award, reflects on this second international edition of the award.

“Watching the projects’ presentations closely and engaging with students and teachers at the fairs is always an enriching experience. It’s inspiring to see young people dedicated to science, creating solutions with environmental and social impact that are already gaining national and international recognition. The World Without Waste Award not only acknowledges these efforts but also reinforces the importance of initiatives that link innovation, sustainability, and positive transformation for the planet. This edition demonstrates how young science is an essential pillar in building a more circular and sustainable future."

Patrícia Acioli, Sustainability Director at the Scania Group, highlights the qualities of the winning projects and the expectation that more and more young people will engage in the path of circularity.

“For our journey to be successful, it’s essential to be well supported. Here at Scania, we support education because it is part of our values, and it is today’s youth who will take care of our world tomorrow. This initiative opens a huge door to knowledge: the meeting between innovation and circularity allows us to invest in growth, development, and transformation. It is this creativity that teaches and inspires us in the search for a better future.”

Other Winners

Other projects were also awarded. Students from the Antônio Rodrigues de Oliveira State School of Professional Education, in Pedra Branca, Ceará, created an eco-friendly water treatment filter, winning second place. Named “Tamm,” the project uses waste from the ochre granite industry, transforming these residues into a valuable resource to ensure access to potable water in a region facing water scarcity issues. The project was presented at the Northeastern Science and Technology Fair (Fenecit), held in October in Camaragibe, in the metropolitan area of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.

The third place of the 2024 International World Without Waste Award went to a group of students from Ecuador. The team from the National University of Loja presented the PET Recic Extruder at the Paula Souza Center Technology Fair (FETEPS) in São Paulo—a technological solution to recycle PET bottles, transforming them into filaments for 3D printers. The initiative uses a system based on Arduino Nano to monitor the heating and molding of the material, promoting circular economy and innovation in plastic reuse.

An honorable mention was also awarded to the RecolheAI project, presented at FETEPS. Developed by students from ETEC Profª Maria Cristina Medeiros in São Paulo, the project features smart bins that use automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence. The technology facilitates the separation of recyclable waste, promoting more efficient waste management.

Ángela Montoya, Communications Manager for Sustainability in Packaging and Specialty Plastics at Dow, a pioneering partner of the Circular Movement, also participated in selecting the winners and commented on the process.

“The innovative spirit and dedication of these young people are truly inspiring. Their projects not only address critical environmental issues but also pave the way for a more sustainable and circular planet. It is an honor to witness their journey and support their efforts to make a positive impact. Furthermore, their work significantly contributes to the well-being of their communities, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for their local environments.”

Vinicius Saraceni, General Director of the Circular Movement, talks about the importance of the award.

“2025 will be the Year of the Circular Economy. Brazil will host the World Circular Economy Forum and COP30. Additionally, key global guidelines and agreements are advancing the promotion of circularity. The theme is already present in society and in the country’s innovation agenda, with several mechanisms ensuring the transition to a more circular society. The Circular Movement is also planning a series of events and activations next year as we celebrate our 5th anniversary. In this context, the International World Without Waste Award not only recognizes young talents but also drives the dissemination of the circular economy as a global necessity.”

Watch the full award ceremony!

The International World Without Waste Award highlights the role of young science in building a more sustainable future, connecting innovation, social impact, and the principles of the 7Rs of the circular economy: Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, and Regenerate. More than just awarding ideas, the initiative encourages the engagement of future generations in building a more circular society—bringing together technology, creativity, and social impact.