Plastics’ impact on earth and our well-being: A global call-to-action to protect planet and our health

During the 2025 World Food Forum (WFF) flagship event, Ecoinno and its partner KIDsforSDGs hosted an engaging youth side event titled “Plastics’ impact on earth and our well-being: A global call-to-action to protect planet and our health”, bringing together passionate youth voices, changemakers and partners to discuss the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution and promote sustainable innovation.

The event, which took place on 14 October, aimed to amplify youth perspectives and showcase youth-led solutions that bridge science, technology and sustainability, reinforcing the role of young people as drivers of circular economy transformation. Building on growing scientific evidence that microplastics from everyday food packaging can contaminate food and drinks, the discussion highlighted the urgent need for stronger food safety measures and regulatory frameworks. Through interactive exchanges and product demonstrations, participants explored youth-driven solutions to reduce plastic use and safeguard both planetary and human health.

The session opened with remarks from Ecoinno, whose mission is to protect both the planet and human health through zero-plastic, cellulose-based materials. Opening remarks were given by George Chen, founder of Ecoinno and Professor Alexander Bismarck from the University of Vienna, who reflected on a decade-long research journey, explaining that what began as an impossible dream to transform cellulose into a safe, sustainable and heat-resistant material - Green Composite Material (GCM) has become a circular solution fully derived from agricultural waste. The products can withstand cooking temperatures and are decomposable after use.

The event continued with presentations from innovative youth teams from the KIDsforSDGs. 16-year-old Maxwell Shu Wang Yau addressed the growing global issue of caffeine overconsumption, or caffeinism, particularly among youth. Highlighting its negative health impacts, the team proposed “Night Water”, a balanced, caffeine-free beverage promoting healthier lifestyles.

Another engaging presentation was Rae Liu's for Future of Engineers, who discussed solutions to the “Smart City Efficiency Paradox”, calling for sustainable engineering approaches, from pollution-reducing concrete to photovoltaic windows that make cities both intelligent and environmentally conscious.

The project MooMelts, presented by An Lee, tackles food waste by transforming surplus milk into premium plastic-free soap, following circular economy principles and promoting responsible consumption.

Finally, Bella Pak presented Verticalgae, a vertical farming model using Chlorella sorokiniana, a microalgae-based organic fertilizer that replaces chemical inputs, reduces waste and addresses rising food demand. Their goal is to expand partnerships and scale biotechnology-based sustainable farming practices across regions.

The event concluded with youth reflections and calls for collaboration, underscoring the need for collective innovation to reduce plastic waste, transform agrifood systems and reimagine production through circular and bio-based materials. From cellulose packaging to algae-based nutrition and zero-waste soaps, the session highlighted how young changemakers are engineering tangible solutions for a healthier planet and future