Okanagan College’s student team EnactusOC is once again proving it can compete with the best.
Their project, Paper Trail, took home first place in the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge at the Enactus Canada National Exposition in Calgary, held May 6–8.
EnactusOC bested 36 other colleges and universities across the country, winning $3,000 to help grow Paper Trail, a zero-waste fire brick business that turns paper waste and beeswax into a clean-burning alternative to firewood.
“The Enactus National competition is a truly unique experience,” said Josh Smith, president of EnactusOC. “The opportunities provided to students are unmatched, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to spend it with the Enactus Okanagan College team.”
Now stocked in three North Okanagan Co-Op stores, the team plans to expand Paper Trail’s reach across the valley and into markets such as search and rescue.
“Seeing Paper Trail go from an idea to a national award-winning business in just eight months has been unbelievable,” said co-project manager Luke Howe. “It shows how much is possible when you have a passionate team and the right support behind you.”
EnactusOC also took home a national award for Tech Member of the Year, recognizing student Andrew Loken for his behind-the-scenes tech support. Paper Trail recently won the Kelowna-based Sustainability Development Challenge, earning $5,000 more for expansion.
Dean of the School of Business Joe Baker said wins like this reflect how EnactusOC helps students apply classroom learning to real-world problems.
“Having our students attend business competitions teaches them a lot about real-world skills and allows them to really be tested by industry experts and their peers,” said Baker.
The club has been running for 20 years, with past projects reaching the Enactus World Championships, where the team placed in the top four globally.
