Micky Westerlund
Katia de la Guardia
Jenni Karsten-Laitinen
Anna Hollmén
Hanken School of Economics
Martin Fougere
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Ezconnect´s invention reduces the enviornmental impact of traditional paper business cards by substituting them with a singular card that can be tapped by endless users to get the same information. Ezconnect´s innovation supports SDGs 12, 13 and 15, as it helps avoid overconsumption and helps stop deforestation.
Founded in 2021, Ezconnect, created a way for business to connect in a more sustainable way. They invented NFC-enabled digital cards made out of sustainable materials (PVC, wood or metal) to act as digital, single business cards, allowing users to share contact information instantly through the tap of a phone. Ezconnect is based in Finland, though they serve a global market through online sales as their product can be easily shipped. According to Hautala (2024) Ezconnect wants to be a part of the sustainable future, where traditional business cards that use enormous amounts of natural resources are a thing of the past.
This innovative solution is multifaceted and contributes to SDGs 12, 13 and 15. Firstly, it contributes to SDG 12, responsible consumption and production, by creating a sustainable business practice that promotes the elimination of the mass production of paper business cards. Secondly, Ezconnect is contributing to SDG 13, climate action, and SDG 15, life on land, as their innovation not only avoids deforestation but also contributes by planting a tree for every purchase as part of their collaboration with istutapuita.fi. This issue is important to Ezconnect, as increasing the number of trees on land, which capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass, is considered the most effective way to combat the acceleration of climate change (Hautala, 2024b).
The founders of Ezconnect started the company, since they “recognized a need for more efficient and eco-friendly way for professionals to exchange information” (Hautala, 2024a). The founders of the company realized that traditional paper business cards are really outdated in a world where responsibility is increasingly important.
According to Hautala (2024a) every year 7 million trees are cut down to produce paper business cards. Studies show that 90% of these cards are immediately thrown away. This is both a massive waste of natural resources and a significant environmental issue. At the same time, paper production generates around 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide emissions for every ton of paper produced. (Hautala, 2024a)
Ezconnect is partnering with the Finnish company istutapuita.fi, whose mission is to help companies participate in an easy and meaningful way to slow down climate change. Istutapuita.fi creates carbon sinks in Finland by planting trees in former peat production areas. (Hautala, 2024a; istutapuita.fi, 2024) This collaboration has one goal; for every sold product, one tree will be planted (Hautala, 2024a) By collaborating with istutapuita.fi Ezconnect supports sustainable development goal (SDG) 15, life on land, targets 15.1 and 15.1. Target 15.1 aims to ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, especially forests. Target 15.2 aims to promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, stop deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase reforestation globally. (Un, 2024a) The collaboration could also be seen as a contribution to SDG 13, climate action, since Ezconnect supports reforestation and therefore helps offset carbon emissions (UN 2024b).
The need for instant sharing was recognized by the founders on Ezconnect. Ezconnect has managed to gain sponsorships and fundings through various networking events. The exact numbers regarding revenue raised is not available to the public at this time. Currently the company is employing under 10 people. Ezconnect aims to expand its operations ones the business starts to grow in profit. (Hautala, 2024a)
Ezconnects way of applying NFC technology to create “cardless business cards” is an excellent innovation and continues to stand out since it has very little competition especially in the Finnish market. Because instant sharing is so useful and easy with Ezconnect, people find the use of digital business cards extremely helpful for networking purposes. Additionally, businesses have found this innovational way of using cardless cards attractive. The aspect of having digital business cards is a way to gain diverse clientele, from different industries. Ultimately Ezconnect will be attractive to most companies who want to find new ways to operate sustainably. (Hautala, 2024)
One could argue that Ezconnect has a unique spot in the digital business card market. It has prioritized user experience and continuously seeks to improve based on the feedback received. (Hautala, 2024)
Ezconnects digital business card strategy positively contributes to environmental sustainability. The company’s great initiative to decrease the use of traditional paper business cards reduces the impact of paper waste and ultimately results in saving trees that would otherwise be cut down to produce paper. (Hautala, 2024). In addition, Ezconnect explained how they are on a mission to fight against deforestation by planting a tree for each transaction their business makes.
Ezconnect reduces the impact of paper waste by providing a more effective way to exchange information. By the usage of NFC technology, connecting with people has become faster than ever. This way Ezconnect contributes positively towards society and the environment by creating a platform for a better world meanwhile sharing important ecological values. Furthermore, it promotes professionals to adopt environmentally friendly habits and move towards a more sustainable way of doing business. (Hautala, 2024)
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Alexandra Hautala, CEO
Ezconnect is a Finnish company that came up with a way to avoid waste by eliminating the need for business cards.
This innovation replaces traditional paper business cards with a singular NFC card made from sustainable materials that users can scan to get the information that has been uploaded to it.
It serves business professionals who want the convenience of using traditional business cards while prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.