Waste to Wealth: How the Surplus Economy is Shaping the Future
In this episode of Impact Talk, Nadine Zidani sat down with Rana Hajirasouli, Founder & CEO of The Surpluss, a UAE-based Certified B Corp pioneering climate-tech solutions that transform underutilized resources into revenue.
Rana challenges carbon tunnel vision, advocating for the surplus economy, industrial symbiosis, and cross-industry collaboration to drive resource efficiency and economic resilience. She shares insights on how businesses in the MENA region can rethink waste, energy, and materials, integrate sustainable innovation, and leverage economic zones to foster climate-positive business models.
This conversation also explores the B Corp movement in the Middle East, the challenges of pitching climate-tech solutions, and practical steps for organizations looking to implement circular economy and sustainable business practices.
In this episode, you will gain insights on:
- Why carbon tunnel vision limits real climate impact,and how to shift beyond CO₂ metrics.
- The Surplus Economy,a new business concept driving resource efficiency and innovation.
- The potential role of economic zones in the Middle East,especially in the UAE, in fostering sustainable collaboration.
- The role of industrial symbiosis in reducing waste and emissions through cross-industry collaboration especially in the Middle East, and driving economic benefits.
- The biggest challenges in pitching climate-tech solutions like The Surpluss to potential clients.
- Advice for organizations in the Middle East looking to implement circular practices in their operations.
- The Surpluss B Corp certification journey, why it matters and how it’s evolving in the MENA region.
Guest Bio:
Rana Hajirasouli, the Founder and CEO of The Surpluss, a UAE-based Certified B Corp company. The Surpluss is the world’s first B2B platform that transforms underutilized resources into revenue through its patented technology.
Rana is a climate-tech innovator, systems thinker, and passionate advocate for climate-positive action. With over 13 years of experience, she is a recognized expert in sustainability, climate change, and the circular economy, empowering businesses to achieve resource efficiency through effective and profitable cross-industry collaboration.
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