As global waste volumes continue to rise, businesses are increasingly exploring circular economy strategies that convert discarded materials into value-added products. Arturo Katz, Co-Founder & CEO, Chop Value, outlined how scalable, design-driven solutions can address both environmental and economic challenges associated with waste generation.

Katz As global waste volumes continue to rise, businesses are increasingly exploring circular economy strategies that convert discarded materials into value-added products. Arturo Katz, Co-Founder & CEO of Chop Value, outlined how scalable, design-driven solutions can address both environmental and economic challenges tied to waste generation.

Katz highlighted the magnitude of the issue, noting that more than 2.1 billion tons of waste are produced globally each year, with projections indicating this figure could reach 3.4 billion tons within the next 30 years. This trajectory, he argued, demands a shift in perspective: “Waste does not exist—it is an opportunity to build businesses and create change in how we think about materials.”

At the center of Chop Value’s model is the upcycling of used sushi chopsticks—an abundant yet overlooked waste stream. According to Katz, approximately 1.5 billion chopsticks are used every week worldwide, often traveling more than 9,000 km before being discarded after just 20 to 30 minutes of use. By recovering and transforming these materials into durable products, the company demonstrates how linear consumption patterns can be replaced with circular systems.

“The solution lies in rethinking waste as a resource,” Katz explained, pointing to Chop Value’s ability to convert recycled chopsticks into engineered materials used in furniture and construction applications. Beyond the environmental narrative, he emphasized the importance of economic viability: “We aim to prove that circular economy models are not only sustainable in terms of waste reduction, but also profitable and scalable.”

A key differentiator in Chop Value’s strategy is its decentralized manufacturing approach. By producing locally, the company reduces transportation distances and associated emissions, while also enabling regional supply chains. This model has translated into measurable environmental gains, including a 113% reduction in emissions from raw materials, 41% in manufacturing processes, and 39% in logistics. Overall, the company reports a 26% reduction in CO2 emissions across the full product lifecycle, with savings of up to 16,228 kg of CO2 per product.

Katz also framed the company’s broader mission within the context of global decarbonization efforts. “Our mission is to accelerate the path to net zero,” he said, underscoring the role of circular manufacturing in achieving climate targets. He also emphasized that chopsticks are just an example of what’s achievable. To support this ambition, Chop Value has already recycled more than 22 million chopsticks and continues to expand its operational footprint.

Looking ahead, the company plans to invest more than US$15 million in advanced recycling technologies, particularly to venture in the processing of textiles and plastics. This expansion signals a strategic move to diversify feedstocks and further scale its circular production capabilities.

By aligning waste reduction with economic incentives, companies can offer a practical blueprint in the  transition from linear to circular systems without compromising profitability or quality.