In the month the organization celebrates its 13th anniversary, Sasha Bezuhanova, founder of MOVE.BG, has given an interview to Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).
Did you know?
Air pollution causes the premature death of 400,000 people in Europe annually, according to data from the European Environment Agency.
What are the solutions?
MOVE.BG`s program “Urban Jungle” has published a special brochure presenting 7 Bulgarian entrepreneurs who develop innovative solutions to global environmental challenges from Bulgaria. The project is part of our initiative for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy after the coronavirus.
Today, we meet you with an innovative project through the eyes of its creator - the Sofia-based startup AirLief which develops a smart mask and a mobile application for air-pollution. Petar Zhivkov, the founder of the project, tells us more about AirLief.
What are the main challenges in fighting air pollution?
The main challenge is the impact of air pollution on human health. The other main problem is the amount of plastic and textile waste that remains from the currently widely-used masks. AirLief develops two products: a digital system and a filtering face mask. We offer the best balance between price, durability, and reusability in the production of our masks. We use components from recycled plastic and textiles while aiming to achieve the longest possible usage of the masks.
What is the impact of this challenge in Bulgaria/Europe?
The produced amount of plastic and textile waste from face masks is a problem that is not addressed at all and there is no specific data. At the same time, millions of disposable masks are thrown away every day. Our direct competitors and other market participants, in general, do not pay attention to sustainability, relying on disposable products, or using synthetic materials and plastics without regard to their recycling characteristics.
What are the solutions?
Our solution is the development of pragmatic products and services for personal air pollution protection and also a step towards funding the real solution of the problem - reducing the pollutants in the air. During production, we use a 3D weaving system, which minimizes textile waste. Also, the mask components are made of polypropylene and recycled textiles, which life cycle is significantly longer than this of disposable masks.
What do your products offer?
Our products - mask and mobile application AirLief - offer a personal solution to the problem of air pollution in the urban environment. We have sustainable solutions for a wide range of users with different levels of activity. In the production of the FFP mask, recycled products are used in order to close the production cycle to the maximum extent, and the mobile application is a personalized advisor to the air pollution problem.
What is your motivation to develop an innovative business with a social impact?
AirLief founders focus on the personal problems linked with breathing difficulties on days with high levels of air pollution. Our initial target group was cyclists in an urban environment. But our consumer base has expanded and now our clients have different profiles and respiratory problems. They all recognize us as a mediator for solving their health issues.
Who are the other innovative Bulgarian entrepreneurs and why they have decided to develop green businesses? Download our free brochure "Green Innovators of Bulgaria" here.
For a green restart of the Bulgarian economy
It is time for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy and its transition from resource-intensive industries to green business models. Funds from the EU post-COVID-19 recovery mechanism - “Next Generation EU” as well as those from the Green Deal can help make this transition a successful journey. Therefore, MOVE.BG has initiated a coalition “For a Green Restart” that includes “Greenpeace-Bulgaria”, WWF Bulgaria, “Institute Circular Economy”, and MOVE.BG.
The coalition has brought together over 50 of Bulgaria's leading experts in the fields of green startups and innovation, climate, the circular economy, energy as well as biodiversity, and agriculture. They have generated more than 130 ideas for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy. Read the recommendations here.
