Chantal Sohier, President of CCLBL’s Board of Directores, is very pleased to announce the Chambers partnership with NÃM, a circular economy initiative and urban farm, up-cycling coffee waste into fresh Oyster mushrooms and organic fertilizer, founded by Belgian young entrepreneur Natan Jacquemin.
After finishing his Master’s degree at Catolica University of Lisbon, Natan decided to pursue his dream to have a positive impact and implemented a business model that reconciles economy and ecology.
Let’s meet Natan digitally to learn more about his project and circular economy.
Natan: Circular economy is the idea to stop considering waste as wasted but rather see it as a resource and an opportunity to create more value, create jobs and fight climate change.
Natan, how did you experience the corona lockdown as a young entrepreneur? Have you been blocked in your project?
Natan: I did realize something important: challenging times often come with opportunities.
Corona virus is an immense challenge for humanity but also a unique opportunity to come together again and pursue a common goal. Joining forces is our best bet at solving humanity most complex challenges and Corona virus reminded us just that.
I hope it will serve as a lesson and help us build a fairer and more sustainable future.
Natan, can you tell us about your plans for the next weeks?
8 months ago, NÃM announced a partnership with the biggest coffee distributor of Portugal: Delta Cafés. After a lot of work, we are finally ready to open the largest circular economy and urban farm of Lisbon (Marvila).
From June on, every month, we will be upcycling up to 5 tons of coffee waste, cultivating 1 ton of delicious Oyster mushroom as well as producing 4 tons of fertilizer.
You are all invited to come and discover our project this summer!
How do you see your partnership with the Chamber?
I am very excited to have the Chamber as a partner. Working together towards the success of a sustainable project is a unique chance to have a positive impact faster and better!
“This partnership is a great opportunity for the Câmara de Comércio Luso-Belga-Luxemburguesa (CCLBL) to show its support to sustainable development projects while encouraging the Belgian-Luxembourg start up community in Portugal. It is part of our innovative approach.
I am looking forward to visiting the farm soon and see the first mushrooms!” concludes Chantal Sohier.
