#None #climate action #Green Chemistry #Elsevier Foundation

Celebrating Green Innovations: Winners of the 2026 Elsevier Foundation Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge

The Elsevier Foundation, well-regarded for its commitment to promoting climate action through scientific innovation, has announced the winners of the 2026 Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge. Hosted at the 10th Green & Sustainable Chemistry Conference in Dresden, Germany, the challenge received an impressive 285 proposals, and the final winners—one from Sri Lanka and the other from Malawi—were awarded USD 25,000 each.

These pioneering projects showcase innovative solutions addressing pressing climate issues such as deforestation and energy poverty, directly impacting local communities and creating pathways toward sustainability. This year’s winners are Prof. Thilini D. K. Mudiyanselage and Dr. Amila K. Jeewandara from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka, along with Milemo Lusambya, founder of Let’s Be Transformed (MAGUFINA) from Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi.

Transforming Waste into Sustainable Resources

The winning project from Sri Lanka focuses on transforming sawdust—a common byproduct of the timber industry—into a sustainable alternative to conventional wood products. Professors Mudiyanselage and Jeewandara discovered a method to utilize sawdust, binding it with natural rubber latex to create wood-like composite sheets. This innovation not only utilizes materials that typically go to waste but also meets international construction standards for strength, flexibility, and moisture resistance.

Prof. Mudiyanselage expressed how this initiative began from a simple question about resource usage in the timber industry. Their approach highlights sustainability by promoting over 90% of their product as eco-friendly, substantially reducing waste and opening opportunities for small-scale manufacturers. The project aims to establish a pilot plant at their university, shifting from a theoretical framework to a commercially viable product.

Addressing Multiple Crises in Malawi

On the other hand, MAGUFINA's project addresses the intertwining crises in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, which, against a backdrop of a population flux from 10,000 to a staggering 56,000, faces severe environmental and social challenges. The camp's residents rely heavily on fuelwood, which accelerates deforestation, while women lack access to menstrual products, hindering their health and mobility.

Lusambya's project tackles these issues through a circular biomass system that converts organic waste into biochar, clean-burning briquettes, and biodegradable sanitary pads without employing harmful synthetic chemicals. The initiative not only gives women ownership of the facilities but also ensures their active participation in decision-making and revenue-sharing. The funds from the Challenge will support building a processing facility and provide training, thus nurturing a self-sustaining model that could inspire similar projects across East Africa.

Gender Equity at the Core of Solutions

Beyond environmental goals, the Challenge emphasizes the importance of gender equity in tackling climate change. Both projects explicitly integrate women's empowerment, recognizing the disproportionate impact of environmental changes on women, especially in low-resource settings. By providing pathways for employment and leadership, these projects embody the dual objectives of eco-sustainability and social equity.

Prof. Dr. Klaus Kümmerer, chair of the scientific jury gathering at the conference, noted that this year's projects exemplify how green chemistry can offer tangible solutions to the pressing challenges faced by communities around the world. Simultaneously, Ylann Schemm, Executive Director of the Elsevier Foundation, conveyed her admiration for the innovative methods these winners employed to repurpose waste into valuable resources, directly affecting lives and improving health standards.

As the Elsevier Foundation marks its decade-long commitment to climate innovation, it continues to support global efforts, emphasizing that engaging local communities and empowering women are essential for sustainable solutions. As we learn from Sri Lanka and Malawi's achievements, these initiatives provide a blueprint for integrating scientific inquiry with community-driven solutions against climate change.

Conclusion

The 2026 Elsevier Foundation Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge has not only spotlighted innovative methods to combat environmental issues but also highlighted a forward-thinking approach to gender inclusivity in scientific endeavors. As the world grapples with climate change, initiatives like these inspire hope for actionable responses, proving that with creativity and collaboration, we can transform threats into opportunities for sustainable development.