New platform launched to promote sustainable solutions for humanitarian and health sectors globally

The launch is part of the Waste in Humanitarian Operations: Reduction and Minimization Project (in short: WORM), which is a collaboration of 16 European and international actors coordinated by the HUMLOG Institute at Hanken School of Economics. The WORM project aims to reduce the environmental impact of humanitarian operations.

The new platform, called The Biobased Solutions Catalogue, is powered by the Dutch social enterprise Solvoz. It offers an open-access knowledge portal and catalogue, along with an integrated comprehensive market assessment tool specifically designed to support humanitarian organizations, health workers, and sustainability experts

This initiative provides key stakeholders with a transparent, knowledge-driven marketplace for bio-based products and alternatives. On the platform, manufacturers and suppliers worldwide are invited to showcase their bio-based solutions and alternatives free of charge, expanding the sector’s access to sustainable alternatives and innovations.

The portal initially focuses on five high-priority product groups: personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, and boots, syringes and needles, sharps containers, body bags and temporary water/sludge bladders. As the platform evolves, additional product categories will be added, ensuring that the catalogue continues to meet the dynamic needs of the sector.

Globally, the humanitarian and health sectors use billions of single-use products like gloves, syringes, and protective gear, contributing to a significant waste burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. For example, an estimated 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves were used in 2020 alone worldwide, adding to the plastic waste crisis.

A tool for sustainability and compliance

The Biobased Solutions Catalogue offers more than just a product directory. It is also a market assessment tool that supports organisations seeking sustainable procurement options. It enables users to conduct market assessments, request quotes (RFQs), and sourcing activities through an integrated e-sourcing platform that is fully compliant with international regulations.

“This platform is a vital step towards addressing the environmental impacts of humanitarian operations. By bringing together humanitarian actors, suppliers, and sustainability experts, we are creating a space for innovation and cooperation in the effort to green the sector”, says Hanken’s Professor Gyöngyi Kovács, principal investigator and coordinator of the WORM project.

"Open-access knowledge is crucial for driving innovation in the humanitarian and health sectors. There is a wealth of information and bio-based solutions available, but it’s often fragmented or inaccessible. By creating this platform, we’re not only providing transparency but also fostering public-private partnerships. We want the private sector to actively showcase their bio-based alternatives, enabling humanitarian and health actors to make informed decisions. By sharing product specifications and requirements, we can also strengthen local manufacturing capacities, helping build resilient supply chains and promote sustainable development at the local level”, Claire Barnhoorn, CEO of Solvoz, adds.

For further information:

Gyöngyi Kovács, professor, Hanken School of Economics, phone:  +358 40 352 1241, email: gyongyi.kovacs@hanken.fi
Claire Barnhoorn, CEO, Solvoz, WhatsApp: +31640792461, email: claire@solvoz.com