“Work on innovative ideas. Do something for Pakistan. Only we can do this”

SHIZRA MANGNEJO: HOW DID YOU START YOUR SUSTAINABILITY ENDEAVOURS AND ESTABLISH YOUR OWN COMPANY?

MAHNOOR REHMAN: I am an O Level student based in Islamabad, as well as the CEO and founder of BSF Inc. I started BSF about two years ago when I participated in the Enterprise Challenge Pakistan, and I was selected for the regional finals. I flew to Karachi with one of my teachers and presented my idea. They liked it and I was the second runner-up. I then started to receive funding for my project, which converts food waste into sustainable chicken feed. This allowed me to establish my company.

SM: What were your motivations and your reasoning for your project?

MR: Our objective at ECP is to pitch business ideas which focus on positive social and environmental impact. We had to come up with a sustainable idea. I thought back about when I used to go to the market with my dad in Rawalpindi, and I saw a lot of food waste there. To tackle this problem, I had the idea of collecting food waste and feeding it to black soldier fly larvae. This would eradicate the problem of food waste, and the by-product – larvae – could be used as chicken feed.

SM: How did it feel to receive the King’s Trusts’ International Award, and how did you benefit from it?

MR: When I got to know that I won this award, I was really excited and surprised. I didn’t have any idea when I started the project that it would lead to such an amazing outcome. When I received it, I was nervous about what I was going to say. Receiving it has increased my reach; I’ve got to know more people and made new connections.

SM: Do you think we need more such initiatives in Pakistan to create more awareness?

MR: A lot of awareness is being spread in schools now. There are many programmes and campaigns that kids want to do themselves. But one thing that stops us is support. We don’t always get it from our family members or our peers. With the right support, we can go really far. There is a lot of potential coming from young people. We can do it.

SM: What small changes can be implemented to enhance sustainability?

MR: During Ramzan, I tried not to have an extravagant iftar. I mean, have a simple iftar, eat simple food, because otherwise we generate a lot of leftovers and wastage. For Eid, we don’t need to buy new and expensive clothes that we wear only once and may never touch again. Spend wisely. Take care of your income.

SM: To what extent has your education steered you towards your ideas around sustainability?

MR: I used to spend nights researching about how to make low-waste products, where to get them made, and what to do with them – and although I did this alone, the schools I attended, the teachers I had, and the friends I made, have all played a big role in this. They supported me throughout. At school, there were a lot of campaigns and special lessons regarding sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. My parents know a lot about the importance of sustainability, and they passed that information down to me. Their influence led me to my ideas.

SM: What plans are you thinking about?

MR: I plan to produce another product, which is chitosan. It is extracted from cocoons and made from the first stage of larvae from the shell of crustaceans, and is used a lot by pharmaceutical companies. So, it’s a very big industry. I plan on taking it to a global level, so that it can be produced everywhere. I also want to take the decomposition of food waste to more developing countries and teach them the process of decomposition, and provide the tools to do it. I am also planning to open a football club for girls in Pakistan; I want to play football as well.

SM: What would you say to the people who are watching you and learning about sustainability?

MR: I would say work on innovative ideas. Do something for Pakistan. Only we can do this. So, take risks. Work hard. Just take the first step and you will move forward. God will help you. You just need to take the first step.

Enterprise Challenge Pakistan is a King’s Trust International initiative in partnership with SEED Ventures aimed at inspiring an entrepreneurial spirit among students between 14 and 18.