Innovation Stage
Upcycling for Corporate Innovation: Collaborating for Sustainablility
12 Sep (Fri) Day 2 : 15:25 – 15:45
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on innovative sustainable practices in the food and beverage industry. This workshop will explore Breer’s pioneering approach to upcycling surplus bread and coffee grounds into delicious craft beer, promoting waste reduction and local resourcefulness.
Learn how partnerships with Maxim’s Group and 7-Eleven have enabled the transformation of excess raw materials into valuable products, fostering a circular economy.
The panel will feature industry experts sharing their insights on sustainable sourcing, collaborative efforts, and the impact of upcycling initiatives.
Discover how community-driven innovation can lead to eco-friendly business models that benefit both the environment and local economies.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, environmental advocate, or curious consumer, this discussion offers inspiring ideas for turning waste into opportunity and building a sustainable future through creative collaborations.
Learnings
- The importance of cross-industry collaborations in advancing sustainable upcycling practices
- Practical strategies for sourcing surplus materials like bread and coffee grounds for product innovation
- Environmental and economic benefits of transforming waste into value-added products such as craft beer
- Key challenges and solutions in implementing circular economy initiatives within local communities
- How consumer awareness and community engagement drive the success of sustainable upcycling projects
Post-Event Actions
- Explore potential partnerships with local restaurants, cafes, or retail outlets to source surplus raw materials
- Develop or refine strategies for implementing upcycling projects within your own organization or community
- Share insights and success stories gained from the session to inspire peer networks and stakeholders
- Identify opportunities to participate in or initiate local upcycling and sustainability initiatives
- Stay connected with the panel speakers and attendees to collaborate on future sustainable projects
Speakers
Moderator
Naman Tekriwal
Co-Founder
Breer
Naman Tekriwal
Breer
Co-Founder
Naman Tekriwal graduated from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, pursuing a degree in Management and Marketing. An enthusiastic, highly motivated, and dynamic 24-year-old, Naman has been an impact entrepreneur, starting his first venture at the age of 13 to promote financial literacy among high school students.
Naman is currently working on building Breer in Hong Kong, a food up-cycling startup converting surplus bread into craft beer, which is now expanding presence to Singapore and Indian markets. Owing to his entrepreneurial achievements, Naman was recognised as one of the youngest honourees on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List in 2023.
My Sustainability Goals for 2025:
- Contribute to Increased Food Wastage Mitigation: Implement practices to minimize food waste generation, increase Breer’s upcycling efforts, and promote a circular economy
- Support Community Sustainability: Engage in initiatives that enhance local community well-being, such as supporting local sourcing, education, and environmental conservation efforts.
- Reduce Carbon Footprint: Aim to lower greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency in Breer’s production, improve Breer’s packaging, and sustainable transportation.
Horace Li
Digital & Social Media Manager
7-Eleven Hong Kong & Macau
Horace Li
7-Eleven Hong Kong & Macau
Digital & Social Media Manager
Horace Li is the Digital & Social Media Manager for 7-Eleven Hong Kong & Macau with almost 15 years’ experience in marketing. In his current role, he oversees social and digital marketing and has expanded his scope to further strengthen the brand through CSR and ESG initiatives.
He has made efforts to build partnerships with NGOs to reduce food waste and advance circularity. In 2022, 7-Eleven launched ‘Sik Tak Farn La!’ in collaboration with the social enterprise Pei Ho Counterparts – founded by Chan Cheuk-ming (‘Ming Gor’) – contributing HK$0.50 from each designated 7-SELECT meal box to its community meal programme.
In addition, ‘Grounds to Green’ is an upcycling collaboration with Foodlink that turns 7CAFÉ coffee grounds into compost to grow vegetables, which are then donated via a network of ten NGOs to provide nutritious meals for people in need. These programmes have been well received and recognised with industry awards for their impact.