Keeping it cool on sustainability
By Karen Wang, Strategy Manager, Bupa APAC Strategy & Transformation.
Life often takes unexpected turns, and I recently found myself on a remarkable journey as a Strategy Manager at Bupa. A journey that led me to the inspiring world of sustainability through Bupa's eco-Disruptive program. In many ways this was a transition from PowerPoint presentations to a quest for a healthy planet for healthy people.
My eco-Disruptive team accepted an important mission: to reshape industries, challenge the status quo, and accelerate the shift toward a more sustainable world. But we were missing one important element, a start up to work with.
My eco-Disruptive team accepted an important mission: to reshape industries, challenge the status quo, and accelerate the shift toward a more sustainable world. But we were missing one important element, a start up to work with.
Enter Coolsan!
Waste not want not
Our team was undoubtedly looking to produce something ground-breaking, something that could be a real difference-maker in the health industry and indeed broader society. But first, we needed to find a specific problem to address.
Then it dawned on us, that perhaps production itself is a problem that needs fixing, specifically food. It shocked us to learn that one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted and that up to 10 per cent of global greenhouse gases comes from food that is produced, but not eaten1.
This led us to Coolsan, a passionate start up with an amazing product, ChillSafe. This remarkable innovation, when placed in a cool room or fridge, absorbs water vapor from the air, triggering the activation of ultra-low-dose hydrogen peroxide vapor. This vapor plays a pivotal role in preserving fresh produce by inhibiting bacteria, mould, and spore viability, breaking down ethylene gas, reducing odours, and preventing biofilm formation.
Translation: Food stays fresher for longer; you won’t be needing to throw out your coriander after just buying it from the market!
The possibilities
Whether it’s in an aged care home, hospital or rehab facility, food plays a major role in the healthcare industry. That’s why we are working on a solution with Coolsan that will help us reduce spoilage and promote the use of fresh foods and ingredients within those facilities.
After all, if your fresh fruits and veggies are lasting longer you are more likely to use them in place of packaged options that are often more plastic intensive. Fresher food also means better nutrition – win win.
Our magic recipe for success is mixing their tech-know-how with our healthcare expertise, data and insights.
A cause for optimism
As I continue to bridge the gap between healthcare and sustainability, I am motivated by the belief that positive change is within our reach. Together, through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions like ChillSafe, we can shape a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Watch this space!
