Bonter collaborates with the University of Antwerp on innovation in waste processing

This February, I found myself back in a lecture hall at the University of Antwerp. Not as a student, but as Bonter’s founder, sharing our story with a hundred final-year product development students about to choose their bachelor’s thesis. Bonter was one of two compelling projects presented, all focused on genuine innovation in waste management.

I outlined Bonter’s origin: the daily frustration of organic waste disposal, especially for those without gardens, in small apartments, or simply seeking to avoid odors, fruit flies, or distant green bins. I introduced vermicomposting—composting with worms—and Bonter’s mission to redefine this system. Our goal is to make it user-friendly, odor-free, and suitable for indoor environments, truly embodying innovation in waste processing for the modern home.

What followed was genuinely unexpected: approximately sixty students chose to dedicate their efforts to Bonter. This was a tremendous honor and incredibly validating. They instantly recognized the problem. Several students later shared that they experienced the exact same frustrations at home—a clear demand for solutions in organic waste management. They longed for a way to manage their organic waste and expressed eagerness to use such a system. This ideal alignment confirmed that the more people who identify with the problem, the more relevant our solution for innovation in waste processing becomes.

Hands-on learning: building worm labs on campus

Despite the overwhelming interest, only one student was familiar with vermicomposting. This isn’t unusual; the system remains largely unknown. Yet, it was impressive to witness their rapid immersion. Soon after, students were divided into eight groups. This division was crucial, as their initial exercise involved constructing a physical test setup. This hands-on approach allowed them to grasp the fundamental elements of vermicomposting not just theoretically, but through direct practice. They learned what works, what fails, and how worms react to their environment, gaining critical insights into effective waste processing. These setups were designed to understand the worms’ habitat—aeration, moisture, temperature, nutrition, and structure.

Literally a week later, these groups had their self-made installations ready. I brought five kilograms of compost worms to campus. Together, we created a bedding of paper, cardboard, and pressed coconut fiber, hydrated with water, into which we released the worms. The experiment had begun, marking a practical step in our approach to innovation in waste processing.

The student-created test setups varied significantly. Some were robust, others less so, which is part of the learning process. A vermicomposter must meet several basic conditions. Rushing past these can lead to issues: compost drying out too quickly, worms seeking escape, or even migrating across campus. Nevertheless, the experiments proved highly instructive. One particular bin functioned remarkably well: it received only waste from a florist—flowers, branches, stems—and produced exceptionally clean compost, showcasing practical innovation in waste processing.

From concepts to user-centered designs

In addition to group setups, students also undertook individual assignments. Each chose a specific target group, conducting user research, interviews, and observations to develop designs addressing those specific needs. This led to innovative ideas: an educational setup for primary schools, a height-adjustable wall-mounted model for seniors, and a minimalist built-in system for single individuals in small apartments. This diversity of target groups yielded an equally diverse array of solutions, all contributing to the broader field of innovation in waste processing.

Throughout the semester, students received weekly feedback and guidance from their lecturers: Linda, David, Jelle, and Bruno. They not only supported the students but also challenged them to refine their thinking, design more logically, and, most importantly, make decisive choices. The transformation was evident week by week. Designs became more refined, concrete, and realistic, pushing the boundaries of innovation in waste processing.

The evolution of ideas

In April, I participated in the interim jury. I spent an entire day listening to presentations, asking questions, and providing feedback. By day’s end, I was completely drained but also immensely impressed. While every idea stemmed from the same core—what do we do with our kitchen waste—each execution was unique, highlighting various avenues for innovation in waste processing.

Work continued in the subsequent weeks, leading up to the final jury at the end of May. The difference between the initial and final presentations was profound. The ideas were more robustly substantiated, visually enhanced, and technically more refined. The standard of the final presentations was exceptionally high. Not only did the students make a strong impression, but the lecturers’ guidance was also remarkably insightful and pertinent, fostering significant innovation in waste processing.

This collaboration has been immensely valuable to me as an entrepreneur, offering not just inspiration but also practical insights. What truly works? What falls short? Where do people encounter obstacles? What do they prioritize, and what deters them? Simply being present in such a creative environment, surrounded by individuals offering fresh perspectives on my project, was illuminating. This partnership has unequivocally driven innovation in waste processing forward for Bonter.

I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this journey. To the Product Development students at University of Antwerp: thank you for your time, dedication, and curiosity. To the lecturers: thank you for making this possible and for setting such a high bar. This project has undeniably strengthened Bonter, pushing our capabilities in innovation in waste processing, and that is a testament to your collective efforts.