ALWAYS one to keep a keen eye on sustainability and environmental matters, Steven Ng Yong Beng discovered that rejected nitrile rubber gloves heading for the landfills, could be given a new lease on life.

Without hesitation, Ng launched himself into researching and developing attainable methods and recycling options in reducing the amount of nitrile rubber gloves that could be environmentally hazardous when incinerated. The process of incineration will lead to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2), non-toxic oxide and nitrogen oxide.

With over 20 years of experience in the rubber industry, it didn’t take long for Ng to come up with a brilliant idea and the technology for it - recycle the rubber waste (gloves) into durable, eco-friendly, slip-resistant safety shoes under a brand called Solewell.

“We realised lots of footwear in Malaysia do not utilise eco (friendly) material. Thus, through market research and competitor analysis, we launched Eco Fosser Safety Shoes last year. Not only are the safety shoes eco-friendly, but they are also designed to be slip-resistant and twice as durable,” he shares.

Ng’s project landed him the accreditation of Malaysia’s first SIRIM Eco Label and MyHijau mark, as well as industry recognition such as Star Media Group’s ESG Positive Impact Awards (ESG PIA).

Noting that success did not come easily, Ng says numerous attempts have been made and there were countless moments of doubt about the business’ sustainability and success.

“From securing initial funding to setting up a factory, we encountered hurdles that tested us. Yet, our determination and teamwork saw us through. Every risk we took, every difficult decision we made, ultimately shaped the resilient and thriving company which we are proud of today.

“We carefully plan and seek diverse perspectives. We also believe that collaboration and partnership play a crucial role in navigating challenges. By supporting each other and sharing knowledge, we created a strong foundation that empowers us to tackle obstacles with confidence.”

Ng adds that the right market positioning was determined by clearly defining their product’s unique selling points (USPs) and how they are able to address the specific needs of the target market while working on a tight budget.

“We were self-funded in the beginning, using our own savings and later on, investments from our co-founders. My advice for other businesses is to start where you are, do what you can with what you have – start small but move fast.

He notes that a business’ success depends on its ability and agility to relentlessly innovate according to the 3P’s - process, performance and profit.

“Focus on things which we can control, seek a mentor for guidance and most importantly continuously learn by reading a lot of books.

“Our long-term goal is to create a sustainable future for all our stakeholders. We aim to achieve this by leveraging innovative technologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and committing to ethical practices in every aspect of our business.

“By prioritising environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic viability, we can make a meaningful impact on the world.

“Our vision includes not only financial growth but also the empowerment of our employees, the wellbeing of our communities and the protection of mother earth,” says Ng.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/30/breathing-new-life-into-rubber-waste