Concept Loop emerged as the first-prize winner at the highly esteemed Green Tech Hub competition held during COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The competition, which took place in November, brought together climate innovators and world leaders to address the pressing challenges of sustainability. Concept Loop’s win placed it at the forefront of global efforts to combat plastic waste, earning significant recognition for its innovative approach.
COP29 served as a pivotal event in the global fight against climate change, with world leaders converging to initiate new sustainability initiatives. Among the attendees was Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif, who, along with his high-level delegation, also met with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of the event. During the conference, Pakistani startups, including Concept Loop, showcased their groundbreaking solutions to global audiences, underscoring the country’s potential in driving forward sustainable innovations.
The visionary force behind Concept Loop is Syed Ali Naqi, an entrepreneur driven by a deep commitment to addressing one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time—plastic waste. Under Naqi’s leadership, Concept Loop has taken a unique approach by transforming plastic waste into EcoGrete™️, a building material that has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. EcoGrete™️ is created by turning low-value plastics, which would otherwise end up in oceans and landfills, into aggregates that are integrated into concrete products such as tiles, pavers, and blocks.
This innovative process is not only helping reduce plastic waste but also contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions, offering a sustainable solution to the construction sector. As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, Pakistan faces significant challenges related to environmental sustainability. Concept Loop’s innovative products provide the country with a practical means of addressing the climate crisis through technological advancements and sustainable practices.
Naqi’s vision for Concept Loop goes beyond creating an eco-friendly product; it is about making a tangible impact. In 2024, Concept Loop successfully offset over 700,000 kilograms of plastic waste—equivalent to 532 million wrappers that had no other potential for reuse. This impressive feat demonstrates that sustainability can be both practical and scalable. Concept Loop’s products are not only durable and low-carbon but are also well-received in the market, proving that eco-friendly solutions can meet industry needs without sacrificing performance or cost-effectiveness.
The recognition of Concept Loop at COP29 highlights the increasing global competitiveness of Pakistani innovations, as the country gradually strengthens its capacity to tackle the climate crisis. Concept Loop’s story is one of resilience and ambition, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a leader in the circular economy. The startup has formed partnerships with industry giants like Shell, Nestlé, and PepsiCo, helping these companies reduce their carbon footprints by up to 84%.
At COP29, judges lauded Naqi’s vision for its scalability, ingenuity, and potential for long-term environmental impact. However, Naqi emphasized that the victory was not simply about earning accolades.
“This is not just about awards, It’s about proving that impactful change is possible when we challenge the status quo and dare to innovate.”
Concept Loop’s journey is a testament to the power of bold ideas and determined leadership. The company has now set its sights on expanding its reach and further amplifying its positive environmental impact. As the climate crisis intensifies, Syed Ali Naqi and Concept Loop offer a beacon of hope, proving that even the most formidable challenges can be overcome with creativity, perseverance, and a vision for a more sustainable future. Their story serves as an inspiring example of how innovation can drive meaningful change, providing solutions to the global plastic waste crisis and helping pave the way for a greener tomorrow.
