Omani student company turns invasive tree into green gold
The students have extracted a raw material from the mesquite tree suitable for use in both the plastic and health products industries. The project, which combines environmental sustainability with biotechnology, is being hailed as a model for circular economy initiatives in the region.
Badr bin Saeed al Azizi, CEO of GreeNova, said the company has spent more than two years in research and development to reach this milestone. 'We've created a product that is stronger, cheaper and heat-resistant using a plant once regarded as a burden,' he said. The innovation has been validated by a report from Plant Therapy Research Laboratory in China.
GreeNova's focus is not limited to finding an alternative to plastic. The company also found that the mesquite tree contains compounds with medicinal properties. Extracts from the leaves are now being used to develop personal care products, including hair wash, body wash and natural soap. These items are marketed as 100% natural and locally sourced, with ambitions to compete in international markets.
According to Azizi, the company has captured 40% of market share in Oman for alternative raw materials in plastic production. He attributes this to a partnership with Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhahirah, which gave the company access to mesquite tree waste – earlier a costly environmental problem for the government.
'Our project has turned a costly waste disposal issue into a profitable and sustainable business model,' he said.
Elias bin Abdullah al Hatmi, another member of GreeNova, informed that the company has participated in several local and international entrepreneurial competitions and received awards for innovation. GreeNova is currently incubated under the Dhahirah Innovates initiative supported by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Hatmi said the company's success lies in its ability to convert environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
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