larissa_bombonato

Brazilian eco-entrepreneur scaling plastic waste solutions in the Amazon basin

Larissa Bombonato is a Brazilian environmental engineer whose startup Econergy converts plastic waste into energy through pyrolysis technology. Operating in the Amazon basin since 2020, her initiative has prevented over 500 tons of plastic from entering rainforest ecosystems while providing affordable electricity to remote communities. Bombonato's modular reactors use 90% less water than traditional recycling methods, making them ideal for arid regions. She was named a 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 laureate for her work bridging environmental conservation with economic empowerment. Her TEDx talk "Turning Plastic Waste into Energy in the Amazon" showcases her community-driven approach. In 2024, Econergy partnered with the Brazilian government to deploy 50+ units across indigenous territories, creating green jobs for over 1,200 people. Bombonato advocates for circular economy models that prioritize local ownership, challenging conventional waste management paradigms.