Press Release: Leaf Selected for Accelerator Programme ‘Unreasonable Impact’

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Monday, 11 June 2018

Leaf Resources Limited (ASX: LER) (‘Leaf’) is pleased to announce it has been selected by Unreasonable Impact, a global partnership between Barclays and Unreasonable Group focused on scaling up ventures that have the potential to solve major environmental and societal problems while creating the jobs of tomorrow. Leaf is the only Australian company – as well as the only bioeconomy company – chosen for the current programme, focused on the Asia-Pacific region.

Supporting Sustainable Development Goals and Developing Jobs

Unreasonable Impact has forged partnerships with some of the world’s largest institutions and brands, and its programmes are focused on solving the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Leaf Resources was chosen thanks to its innovative GlycellTM process and biodegradable recyclable packaging product LeafCOAT. When implemented, these processes and products can significantly contribute to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (see diagram below). Leaf is well-positioned to support SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 13 (climate action).

Another key Unreasonable Impact objective is job growth. Leaf’s technology is particularly advantageous as it will help create jobs in rural areas, where it is traditionally harder to do so.

Unreasonable Impact aims to rapidly scale up entrepreneurial companies which address key environmental issues while possessing highly profitable business models and an ability to create thousands of new jobs. The initiative is a first-of-its-kind, international accelerator network and the programme is launching in the UK, the USA and Asia. The second Asia-Pacific programme will run this June as an intensive ten-day accelerator designed to support growth stage ventures across China, Hong Kong, India, Japan and Singapore. Unreasonable Impact will assist selected ventures with valuable resources, mentorship, funding opportunities and a global support network.

Leaf’s Managing Director Ken Richards said:

“The selection of Leaf Resources for the Unreasonable Impact accelerator programme is further evidence of our growing environmental and business credentials. As our Malaysian project moves closer to being implemented, the credibility of Leaf as a major international force for environmental good, with the appropriate commercial upside, is growing. It is further testament to the hard work done by the Leaf team and an unwavering commitment to making it happen.”