Avocado Pit Plastic Innovation Highlighted, Ethical Concerns Raised by Dan Sherrard-Smith

In a recent LinkedIn post, Dan Sherrard-Smith highlights a remarkable innovation in sustainable materials: plastic derived from avocado pits. He draws attention to BIOFASE, a company discovered by Business Insider, which is reportedly producing 500 metric tonnes of plastic monthly from a molecule found within avocado pits, aiming to replace petroleum-based plastics.

BIOFASE’s Sustainable Plastic Solution

Sherrard-Smith details the key benefits of BIOFASE’s product, as presented in the original source. He notes that their cutlery is:

• BPA free
• FDA approved
• Possesses a low carbon footprint
• Is stronger than standard plastic

A significant aspect highlighted by Sherrard-Smith is BIOFASE’s use of agricultural waste rather than food sources like corn or potatoes. This approach aligns with a purpose-led business model, as Sherrard-Smith puts it:

This is what purpose-led business looks like when it actually scales. Profit and planet by design.

Ethical Scrutiny of the Supply Chain

However, Sherrard-Smith pivots to a critical concern arising from the accompanying video shared by Business Insider. He expresses a direct apprehension regarding the potential presence of child labour in BIOFASE’s supply chain, even if indirect.

According to Dan Sherrard-Smith, the visual evidence in the video suggests a serious ethical issue that could undermine the company’s environmental mission:

In the video, we can clearly see a child picking the avocados. If that is accurate, it needs addressing publicly.

He emphasizes the gravity of this potential issue, stating:

A company solving one of the world’s biggest environmental problems cannot afford to have child labour as part of its supply chain story, even indirectly.

A Call for Transparency

Sherrard-Smith directly addresses BIOFASE, urging them to clarify their position on child labour within their operations. He argues that the company’s mission is too important to be compromised by such ethical lapses.

As Dan Sherrard-Smith concludes:

We can do good and do well in business, But only if every part of the chain reflects that.

The post concludes by prompting readers to share their favourite purpose-driven innovations and encouraging the sharing of the post to broaden its reach. Dan Sherrard-Smith’s analysis underscores the dual importance of innovative sustainability and ethical integrity in modern business practices.