“True sustainability goes beyond mere labels; it involves tangible, impactful changes that address key environmental issues,” says Karl Hick, CEO.
Channeling three decades of his experience in advancing sustainable housing and renewable energy, Hick founded Phoenix Sustainable Investments in 2021. With a diverse portfolio that spans waste management, renewable energy, property development and philanthropy, Phoenix Sustainable Investments is pioneering impactful, long-term solutions that address environmental and societal needs head-on.
Shaping the Future of Waste Management
Phoenix’s innovative waste management initiatives go beyond disposal, viewing waste as a valuable resource rather than a problem. Indivus—a division of Phoenix—processes non-recyclable waste, transforming it into sustainable energy solutions that are environmentally and economically viable.
For years, much of the UK’s waste was exported to Turkey and other regions—by road or sea—for processing, where health and safety regulations were less stringent. Hazardous waste transportation, an often overlooked process, poses significant risks, and the consequences of a disaster could be severe. The CO2 emissions due to long-distance transportation are also significantly high.
In the wake of Brexit, new regulations are reshaping how the UK handles its waste. The focus is shifting toward local solutions, with rules mandating that hazardous waste must be managed within the country.
True sustainability goes beyond mere labels; it involves tangible, impactful changes that address key environmental issues
In line with its vision, Indivus has invested in an advanced thermal conversion plant in Bristol, which is set to redefine the management of clinical and hazardous waste in the UK and Europe. Employing cutting-edge pyrolysis, gasification and anaerobic digestion technologies, it converts waste into energy, contributing to the development of a sustainable, circular economy.
Complementing this effort, Phoenix's Black Box Company is developing further innovative technological solutions for hazardous and clinical waste, taking the lead in navigating complex waste management frameworks.
Driving the Transition to Green Fuels
A key entity within Phoenix Sustainable Investments, Syntech Biofuel is advancing waste-to-energy innovation with its Syntech ASB—100 percent green biofuel. The flagship product transforms organic waste oils, including used cooking oil, into high-grade biofuel, providing a powerful solution for businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising energy performance.
Capable of replacing traditional fossil fuels like diesel and partly biofuel blends such as B7 and E10, Syntech ASB provides a 100 percent clean alternative that powers trucks, generators, and other vehicles—making a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions.
While the higher costs associated with this fuel present a challenge in a price-sensitive market, the push toward sustainability drives demand for cleaner fuels. As businesses strive to meet stricter environmental regulations and reduce their carbon footprints, the value of 100 percent green solutions becomes apparent.
A state-of-the-art facility in the London region has been established to support this shift and produce initially 12 million litres of diesel annually. Plans are underway to expand the capacity to 24 million litres, with supporting partnerships dedicated to fully green transport policies.
Advancing Green Spaces and Eco-Conscious Communities
Building on the momentum for a greener future, Phoenix is shaping the future of modern, sustainable living. Hick’s decades of experience in housing and construction have shaped the understanding that housing is not a standalone component but part of an integrated system. Weaving cutting-edge energy solutions and eco-friendly design into the local community, it aims to create a harmonious blend of jobs, homes and green spaces, promoting a balanced, low-carbon lifestyle.
The model ensures high-quality homes, employment opportunities and social infrastructure, all powered in part by renewable energy. It allows residents to live and work in the same area, reducing their need for travel and, consequently, their carbon footprint.
In the quest for a sustainable future, Phoenix Sustainable Investments leads with a visionary mindset. It consistently develops groundbreaking strategies to address some of the toughest environmental challenges, positioning itself as a frontrunner, thinking beyond conventional limits.
