Exploratory Assessment of the Sustainability of a Bio-Waste Processing Startup: The Case of Fivedol Upcycling Corporation

Date

6-2023

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Rei Chino C. Pua

Committee Member

Jeanette Angeline B. Madamba, Remund Jordan D. Labios, Mar B. Cruz

Abstract

This study addressed the question of whether Fivedol Upcycling Corporation was a sustainable entity. Specifically: 1.) The research provided a comprehensive analysis of the historical background and profile of Fivedol Upcycling Corporation, 1.) Evaluated its business environment, 3.) Evaluated the company's business functions, 3.) Assessed the sustainability practices through the Triple Bottom Line approach, 4.) Analyzed the replication impact of the company through the Sustainable Development Goals Assessment Tool, and 5.) Provided recommendations to further ensure the sustainability of the enterprise. Fivedol Upcycling Corporation was a bio-waste processing startup located in Davao City. The company utilized aerobic digestion of bio-waste through the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens), an indigenous fly species in the Philippines. The larvae of these flies expedited the decomposition process, reducing the total decomposition time of bio-waste from 20 years to 12 days. The bio-waste was converted into protein, which served as food for the fly larvae. Additionally, the company produced a high-nutrient frass from the digested bio-waste and black soldier fly remains.

To measure the sustainability of the enterprise, a conceptual framework adapted from Capili (2019) and Tas de Mir et al (2018) was utilized. The framework incorporated the Triple Bottom Line concept, considering Economic, Environmental, and Social sustainability. Furthermore, the Sustainable Development Goals Assessment Tool was employed to analyze the replicability impact of the enterprise and identify weaknesses in its sustainability practices. The study also included a mapping of the black soldier fly rearing technology employed by Fivedol Upcycling Corporation, which had been adapted from Indonesian bio-waste processing technology.

This study was prompted by the significant contribution of landfills in the Philippines to environmental degradation. In Davao City alone, over 300 tons of bio-waste were deposited in landfills daily, releasing approximately, 487,500 kilograms of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere over a 20 year period. Consequently, there was an urgent need for more sustainable bio-waste processing technologies.

Fivedol Upcycling Corporation was founded by Peter Damary, an agricultural economist and environmentalist with a master's degree in agricultural engineering. The company's main business functions included production, marketing, and sales, while other business functions were outsourced to consultants.

The black soldier fly rearing technology employed by the company consisted of two phases. After the fifth day of the rearing process, 1.5 percent of the total larvae population was separated to ensure the continuity of the black soldier fly population, while the remaining larvae were utilized for feeding on the bio-waste for 12 days. Subsequently, they were harvested and sold as live or dried larvae. The separated sample underwent the complete life cycle of the black soldier fly, encompassing five phases: egg phase, egg deposition phase, egg hatching and larvae feeding phase, pupation phase, and mating phase. This process took a total of 25 days.

The products offered by Fivedol Upcycling Corporation were in high demand, primarily among fish and chicken backyard farmers, as well as exotic pet owners. The enterprise generated an annual net profit of Php 2,350,560.80 from its two main products.

The company actively participated in various programs that promoted environmental sustainability in Davao City. Additionally, it educated community members in partner municipalities on proper waste disposal and segregation practices. With a zero turnover rate and 100% employee satisfaction ratio, Fivedol Upcycling Corporation prioritized local community members, providing employment opportunities and implementing employee compensation and benefits programs.

Moreover, the company demonstrated a negative environmental impact, diverting approximately 37,037.662 kilograms of carbon from the atmosphere, thereby converting it into high-protein feed.

The assessment of the company's replication impact revealed six essential elements that were crucial for strengthening overall sustainability and impact. Fivedol Upcycling Corporation currently lacked direct initiatives addressing zero hunger, quality education, affordable and clean energy, reduced inequality, and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Language

English

LC Subject

Refuse and refuse disposal--Economic aspects--Philippines

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993 2023 M17 L53

Notes

RESTRICTED: Not available to general public, for consultation with author/SP Adviser and to those bound by confidentiality agreement.

Document Type

Thesis

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