CATALINK : OPTIMIZING RECYCLING FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN BRAZIL

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Gustavo Ivanchechen de Almeida

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

8

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will propose a market, product and regulatory study of a web3 solution for an existing mechanism for the generation, custody and transfer of ownership of an environmental recycling credit.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Our project is dedicated to full transparency and active collaboration with the community. All our study and market clarifications will be shared in the community so that future projects in Brazil can now use this study as a basis for new implementations.

[METADATA] Horizons

RWA

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The Catalink Platform initiative by Engbio Environmental Solutions will represent a crucial innovation aimed at addressing the needs of waste picker associations, primarily composed of women. Through a future market study based on stakeholder feedback and regulatory analysis, we will assess the platform’s potential and challenges within the waste management and recycling sector.

1. Stakeholder Feedback

Key stakeholders, including waste picker associations, municipal authorities, private recycling companies, and environmental organizations, will be engaged to gather insights into the platform’s functionality, viability, and impact. Feedback is expected to indicate strong support for the platform’s objectives, but important considerations will likely be highlighted:

a. Empowerment of Waste Pickers

Waste pickers, particularly women-led associations, are expected to express a positive outlook on the platform's potential to formalize their operations. The ability to engage directly with municipalities and private entities through contracts will be highly regarded. However, stakeholders will likely emphasize the need for training to familiarize users with blockchain technology and the legal frameworks surrounding recycling credits.

Waste pickers will likely value the digital cooperative model, seeing it as a way to enhance autonomy and transparency in negotiations, thus providing them with more control over their contributions to the recycling process.

b. Market Disruption and Competition

Private recycling companies will likely be cautious but optimistic, recognizing the potential for disruption. The platform’s model of giving more control to waste pickers could reshape existing market dynamics, challenging the traditional top-down approach dominated by intermediaries. Stakeholders within this group are expected to note that careful integration into existing processes will be crucial to avoid resistance from established industry players.

c. Scalability and Technology Adoption

Stakeholders will likely raise concerns about the scalability of the platform, particularly in regions with limited digital infrastructure. While the blockchain-enabled recycling credits are expected to be seen as a promising innovation, questions may remain about how easily waste picker associations in less technologically developed areas will adopt such a platform.

2. Regulatory Analysis

The regulatory landscape for waste management and recycling will continue to vary significantly across regions, and this will impact the Catalink Platform’s scalability and compliance potential.

a. Legal Compliance and Recycling Credits

The platform's design to facilitate the generation of recycling credits through blockchain will address a major regulatory hurdle. The environmental compensation process often requires complex documentation, which the platform will simplify. By ensuring that waste pickers comply with legal requirements, Catalink will enable them to participate in formal economic compensation structures for their contributions to recycling.

However, regulatory frameworks related to environmental credits and blockchain usage will likely continue to differ widely across countries and municipalities. In regions where blockchain-based certifications are not yet fully integrated into legal frameworks, additional advocacy and legislative engagement will be necessary for the platform’s full implementation.

b. Data Privacy and Transparency

Data privacy will remain a concern raised by regulatory bodies, particularly regarding the handling of sensitive personal and transactional data on the blockchain. The platform must ensure compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR (in Europe) and other local privacy laws, to avoid legal challenges and build trust among users.

Transparency in transactions and environmental impact tracking will likely be viewed positively by regulators, as it will align with growing trends toward accountability in environmental policies. The ability to provide clear documentation of recycling activities could enhance the credibility of waste picker associations in securing contracts with public and private entities.

c. Support for Environmental Policies

The platform will align well with national and international policies aimed at promoting circular economies and achieving sustainability goals, particularly in countries with ambitious recycling and environmental compensation targets. However, ongoing regulatory updates, especially around circular economy action plans, will need to be closely monitored to ensure that Catalink remains compliant with evolving policies.

3. Market Potential and Challenges

The Catalink Platform will demonstrate substantial market potential due to its alignment with global sustainability trends, but certain challenges will need to be addressed for successful market entry and growth.

a. Market Demand

With increasing regulatory pressure on both public and private entities to meet recycling and environmental sustainability targets, the demand for platforms that streamline and document compliance processes will likely rise. Waste picker associations will seek formalized structures to enhance their market participation.

b. Competitive Landscape

The platform will compete in a fragmented market with limited direct competitors focused on waste picker empowerment through blockchain. However, competition from traditional intermediaries and large waste management corporations will pose a potential barrier, as these entities may resist a shift toward decentralization and empowerment of smaller players.

c. Adoption Barriers

As noted by stakeholders, digital literacy and access to technology will remain key barriers for many waste picker associations. Engbio will need to invest in educational initiatives and ensure that the platform is accessible to users in diverse socio-economic contexts to mitigate this challenge.

Catalink Platform will hold strong potential for transforming the waste management industry by empowering marginalized waste picker associations and promoting sustainability. The platform’s ability to integrate blockchain technology for recycling credits and its focus on social impact will align with global trends in environmental policy.

Once Catalink deployed, Engbio will need to address the following:

• Investment in User Training: Provide extensive training to waste picker associations on blockchain technology and the digital cooperative model to ensure widespread adoption.
• Regulatory Advocacy: Engage with local and national regulatory bodies to advocate for the recognition of blockchain-based recycling credits and to ensure compliance with data privacy laws.
• Partnerships with Municipalities and Corporations: Forge strategic partnerships with municipalities and private recycling companies to create a smooth transition and buy-in from key industry players.
• Technological Accessibility: Develop solutions that work in low-tech environments to broaden the platform’s reach across varying regions and markets.

By addressing these areas, Engbio Environmental Solutions will position the Catalink Platform as a pioneering tool in both the waste management and environmental sustainability sectors.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

In our journey with Catalink, we prioritize the collection of feedback during the prototype phase to iteratively refine the platform and ensure regulatory compliance. By engaging early stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and participants from the recycling sector, we aim to optimize mock-up platform functionality and effectiveness. The pivotal role of education cannot be overstated, and we are committed to closely monitoring the impact of our outreach programs to ensure clarity and understanding among all stakeholders.

Sharing the Journey and Successes

The insights and data gleaned from our initiatives will not be confined within our team; we are dedicated to sharing our findings with the broader community through workshops and discussions. Stakeholder involvement, including waste pickers, recycling associations, and regulators, ensures their voices are not only heard but also integrated into the mock-up platform ongoing development and enhancement.

Benefits to the Cardano Community

Catalink transcends being merely a local initiative; it serves as a catalyst for global attention to the Cardano blockchain. By showcasing Cardano's pivotal role in fostering social inclusion and environmental sustainability, we aim to attract new users and developers, bolstering the ecosystem's growth and reputation. The highly replicable nature of our project holds the promise of benefiting recyclable material collectors across Latin America, Asia, and Africa, thereby significantly expanding the user base and community of Cardano. This, in turn, amplifies the utility and relevance of the Cardano blockchain on a global scale, fostering a thriving ecosystem with far-reaching impacts.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Engbio Environmental Solutions has more than 12 years of solid performance in recycling sector (www.engbioambiental.com) Our operational team made up of 3 professionals with training in the environmental area, environmental engineering, biology, with extensive experience in the waste management sector, major waste recycling chains, excellent opening with regional associations and cooperatives, and with public agencies. These team worked for many years providing a bridge between associations and cooperatives and the current mechanism for marketing recycling credits. It was from this decade of immersion in this market sector that the concept of this new format came up. It will be these team responsible for present and gathering associations and companies for membership in the project.

Comprehensive Blockchain Expertise:

Our development team will bring deep knowledge and hands-on experience in blockchain application and web development. 

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

FOUNDATION

 

1.1. Market Fit:

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Market Analysis and Stakeholder Mapping

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Detailed identification of all relevant stakeholders, including associations, cooperatives, independent collectors, processing industries, regulatory bodies and other key participants in the sector.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Comprehensive market research report to understand the current dynamics of the recycling industry in Brazil.

 

1.2. Regulatory Base:

 

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Analysis of Federal and State legislation

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Identification of all relevant laws, regulations and standards that affect the operation of the CATALINK project at national and state levels.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Detailed review of Brazilian legislation related to reverse logistics, recycling, environmental protection and business activities related to the recycling sector.

VALIDATION AND MOCK-UP PREMISES

 

2.1. Market Fit

 

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Validation of the Concept with Stakeholders

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Conducting individual interviews and group workshops with representatives of all identified stakeholders.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Collection of detailed feedback on the CATALINK project proposal, focusing on feasibility, usefulness and market acceptance.

 

2.2. Regulatory Base

 

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Development of Compliance Strategies

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Collaboration with specialized legal advisors to correctly interpret and apply laws and regulations relevant to the project.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Developing a comprehensive plan to ensure legal and regulatory compliance of the CATALINK project in all relevant jurisdictions, including a regularly updating operational procedures and internal policies to reflect changes in legislation and ensure ongoing compliance over time.

 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

 

3.1. Market Fit

 

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Business Model Development

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Creation of a complete and detailed business model for the CATALINK project, considering different scenarios and monetization strategies.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Comprehensive financial viability analysis, including revenue projections, operating costs, profit margins and growth potential.

 

3.2. Regulatory Base

 

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Preparation of the Terms of Use and contractual basis of the Platform

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Definition of specific clauses that will be encoded in smart contracts to guarantee the automatic and transparent execution of transactions on the platform, based on the regulatory survey presented.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Development of detailed terms of use for the CATALINK platform, addressing issues such as user rights and responsibilities, privacy, intellectual property and dispute resolution procedures. Drafting legally sound contracts between recycling operators, the CATALINK platform and manufacturers, establishing clear guidelines for collaboration, responsibilities, remuneration and other relevant aspects.

 

MOCKUP DEVLOPMENT TESTING AND FEEDBACK

 

4.1 Market Fit

 

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Mock-up of the platform

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Presentation of prototypes of the CATALINK platform, based on the requirements identified during concept validation, for final validation among those involved.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Mock-up design and functionality, according to the feedbacks colleted during the previous phases.

 

4.2 Regulatory Base

 

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Results of research to obtaining Approvals and Operating Licenses

B: Acceptance Criteria

• List technical/technological/legal documents and requests necessary to obtain regulatory approvals and licenses essential for the operation of the CATALINK project.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Diligently monitoring the entire requirements for approval process, responding to any requests for clarification or additional documentation as necessary.

 

4.3. Prototype Development (Mockup Development Testing and feedback)

Duration: 4 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Initial design mockup focusing on UI/UX, tailored to integrate both Web2 and Web3 functionalities, ensuring a seamless experience.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Mockup reflects an intuitive and engaging user interface that effectively combines Web2 and Web3 elements.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Visual representations (videos) of the UI/UX designs.
• Summary of initial feedback from stakeholders highlighting reactions to the UI/UX design.
• The videos clearly demonstrate the functionality of the platform, ensuring that stakeholders can see the practical application of features.
• Compiled feedback and analysis reports, along with links to the demonstration videos.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Field Operational Team

Gustavo Ivanchechen de Almeida | Environmental Engineer

Background: Environmental Engineer and post graduated in Geoprocessing

LinkedIn: Gustavo Ivanchechen de Almeida

Environmental engineer with more than 10 years of experience in waste management, technically responsible for supervising the operation of landfills in the Curitiba region and metropolitan region, operation coordinator at a plastic waste processing plant (UPET), and at the recovery unit of waste (UVR – Waste Recovery Unit). Another major area of knowledge is the area of climate change, having worked with SEMA-PR in the study of public policies and research related to the area. Postgraduate in geoprocessing, an important tool for management in any area, having worked at EMBRAPA in studies of the effect of climate change on species of interest. He is currently a partner at Engbio Environmental Solutions, working with a focus on managing processes and operations within reverse logistics programs, in addition to conducting environmental studies and licensing for companies.

 

Johnny de Flores França | Biologist

Background: Biological Sciences and Master’s in Urban and Industrial Environment

LinkedIn: Johnny de Flores França

Graduate in biological sciences from the pontifical Universidade Católica do Paraná (2009), masters in urban and industrial environment (UFPR). He was one of 11 young brazilian activists chosen to participate in the british council's climate generation program. Has professional experience with public power, where, he developed actions such as: participation and organization of the paranaense forum on climate change, preparation of a tool for the inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, study on the state of the art of research in climate change, inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector in the state of Paraná, contributed to the formatting of the state climate change policy and in the dissemination of the municipal climate change program. He is a consultant in the area of environmental licensing, greenhouse gas emission inventory and solid waste management. Developed projects by the Chico Mendes institute of research and social and environmental responsibility, including the pea program and Pronec. He was a technical advisor at the pro citizenship institute of Curitiba, where he worked with the associations of recyclable material collectors of the ecocitizen program, in the preparation of projects for the UVR – Waste Recovery Unit. He is currently a partner of the company Engbio Environmental Solutions, where he implemented reverse logistics systems and helped to implement new recycling chains.

 

Lauriciano Francisco Toaldo | Biologist

Background: Biological Sciences and Specialist in Environmental Analysis

LinkedIn: Lauro Toaldo

Biologist graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, with a degree in biological sciences, specialist in environmental analysis from the geography department of the earth sciences sector of the Federal University of Paraná. Advisor to cooperatives and associations of recyclable materials collectors: technical-administrative, inspection and management of recycling units, processes and procedures (institutional quality, prospecting for new partners and customers, seeking to capture resources, materials, to develop an integrated work of business sustainability in a corporate environment. Development of socio-environmental actions, development of studies and research; holding lectures, seminars and short courses for the entity's educators, development of educational materials. SEMA), inventory of CO² emissions from SEMA-PR aiming at their reduction and neutralization. Engbio Soluções Ambientais, working in communication with customers and institutional relationships.

 

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

You can see the detailed budget here: Fund 13 - Catalink Proposal Budget final.xlsx

Milestone 1: FOUNDATION

Total for Milestone 1: 21,855 ADA

• Perform a market analysis and research: 4,833 ADA
• Conduct a stakeholder mapping: 4,833 ADA
• Identification laws, regulations and standards: 4,833 ADA
• Catalink Marketing on social media: 3,573 ADA
• Stakeholders presentations: 3,783 ADA

 

Milestone 2: VALIDATION AND MOCK-UP PREMISES

Total for Milestone 2: 21,436 ADA

• Conduct interviews/visits with all selected stakeholders: 3,853 ADA
• Analysis and extracting information of interviews: 5,533 ADA
• Meetings with specialized legal consultancy to adapt project parameters: 4,693ADA
• Strategically disseminate key updates and advancements of Catalink on social media: 3,573 ADA
• Stakeholders update presentations : 3,784 ADA

 

Milestone 3: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Total for Milestone 3: 21,436 ADA

• Creation of a complete and detailed business model: 4,133 ADA
• Financial viability analysis: 4,133 ADA
• Preparation of the Terms of Use and contractual basis: 5,813 ADA
• Strategically disseminate key updates and advancements of Catalink on social media: 3,573 ADA
• Stakeholders update presentations: 3,784 ADA

 

Final Milestone : MOCKUP DEVLOPMENT, TESTING AND FEEDBACK

Total for Milestone 4: 35,190 ADA

• Presentation of mock-up prototypes of the CATALINK platform to users: 4,200 ADA
• List technical/technological/legal documents and requests necessary to obtain regulatory approvals: 2,100 ADA
• Strategically disseminate key updates and advancements of Catalink on social media : 2,240 ADA
• Stakeholders final presentation with real users to evaluate UX: 6,650 ADA
• Prototype Development Testing and feedback: 20,000 ADA

You can see the detailed budget here: Fund 13 - Catalink Proposal Budget final.xlsx

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Funding the CATALINK project represents significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem, both in terms of direct returns and broader, long-term benefits. The costs associated with developing the market study, regulatory bases and surveying stakeholder needs, implementing the platform are essential so that in the next phase of the project we already have knowledge and solid foundations so that the product can be developed in such a way that the market has a tool that is highly effective in packaging compensation.

 

Cost Justification:

Regulatory Compliance and Legal Costs: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape requires expert legal advice and ongoing compliance monitoring. These costs ensure that CATALINK operates within legal frameworks, maintaining the platform's integrity and trustworthiness.

Marketfit: The project proposes a comprehensive study on the needs of those involved in this mechanism, mainly for the holders of environmental credits, but also to understand the needs of companies that must comply with the law and will acquire these credits through the Catalink platform.

Educational and Engagement Costs: Substantial investment in educational programs and stakeholder engagement activities is crucial. These programs are designed to maximize adoption and effective use of the platform across a broad audience, including waste pickers who may have limited prior exposure to digital technology and blockchain. The funds allocated here will ensure that all users can fully leverage the benefits of CATALINK, leading to greater inclusion and operational efficiency.

 

Value to the Cardano Community:

The expenditure on CATALINK is expected to yield considerable returns:

Technological Showcasing: By successfully implementing this project, Cardano’s capabilities in handling real-world, large-scale applications that combine social and technological objectives are highlighted, promoting broader adoption and trust in the Cardano ecosystem.

 

Social Impact: The project directly contributes to social equity by empowering a marginalized segment of society, aligning with global sustainability goals and demonstrating the human-centered potential of blockchain technology.

Ecosystem Growth: Each aspect of CATALINK, from tokenization to educational outreach, is designed to attract new users to the Cardano blockchain, expanding the ecosystem and increasing transaction volumes and overall activity.

 

Long-term Benefits:

Replicability: The model developed by CATALINK can be replicated in other regions, including others development countries, multiplying the impact and value generated by the initial investment.