#23-Waste to Wealth: How the Surplus Economy is Shaping the Future

Welcome to another episode of Impact Talk! In this thought-provoking episode we sat down with Rana Hajirasouli, Founder CEO of The Surpluss, a UAE-based Certified B Corp transforming underutilized resources into revenue through its patented climate-tech solutions, Rana challenges traditional sustainability narratives, pushing for cross-industry collaboration and resources efficiency.

From carbon tunnel vision to industrial symbiosis, Rana shares why businesses must move beyond carbon metrics and rethink how waste, energy, and materials are managed. This conversation unpacks the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships, and the surging B Corp movement in the MENA region.

In this episode, you’ll gain insights on:

• Why carbon tunnel vision limits real climate impact, and how to shift beyond CO₂ metrics.
• The Surplus Economy, a new business concept driving resource efficiency and innovation.
• The potential role of economic zones in the Middle East, especially in the UAE, in fostering sustainable collaboration.
• The role of industrial symbiosis in reducing waste and emissions through cross-industry collaboration especially in the Middle East, and driving economic benefits.
• The biggest challenges in pitching climate-tech solutions like The Surpluss to potential clients.
• Advice for organizations in the Middle East looking to implement circular practices in their operations.
• The Surpluss B Corp certification journey, why it matters and how it's evolving in the MENA region.

Want to see the faces behind the voices? You can watch this episode on YouTube.

About Our Guest:

Rana Hajirasouli, the Founder and CEO of The Surpluss, a UAE-based Certified B Corp company. The Surpluss is the world’s first B2B platform that transforms underutilized resources into revenue through its patented technology.Rana is a climate-tech innovator, systems thinker, and passionate advocate for climate-positive action. With over 13 years of experience, she is a recognized expert in sustainability, climate change, and the circular economy, empowering businesses to achieve resource efficiency through effective and profitable cross-industry collaboration.

Follow The Surpluss:

• Website⁠⁠⁠
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Follow Nadine Zidani:

• ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• MENA Impact Website⁠⁠

Don't forget to follow Impact Talk on ⁠Instagram⁠, LinkedIn and subscribe on ⁠YouTube for the latest updates. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming episodes. If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love it if you’d leave a review and share it with your community.