Zhana Solutions is an environmental technology startup from Colombia that develops wastewater treatment and grease recycling solutions specifically for industrial kitchens. The company emerged in response to a real-world challenge: wastewater containing grease from restaurants, hotels, and industrial kitchens not only pollutes the drainage system but also increases operational costs for businesses. Many current solutions rely on chemicals, consume significant energy, and generate secondary waste, making treatment costly and unsustainable. Zhana Solutions chose a different path—one that is both biological and economical.
After extensive research and field testing, Zhana Solutions developed the G-Trap technology, a chemical-free grease filtration system capable of removing up to 99% of grease from wastewater. G-Trap functions as a smart pre-treatment device that separates and collects excess grease before the wastewater enters the sewer or undergoes further treatment. What sets this system apart is that the collected grease remains uncontaminated by harmful substances, making it recyclable as a feedstock for biodiesel production. This turns waste into a valuable resource, reduces treatment costs, and generates additional economic value for businesses. This recycling potential clearly distinguishes G-Trap from conventional grease separators, which typically focus solely on sanitation and overlook the value of reuse.
The G-Trap technology is built on a foundation of precision mechanical engineering, flow-monitoring sensors, and user-friendly materials designed for easy assembly and adaptation to kitchens of various scales. Zhana Solutions has continuously tested and upgraded its MVP (Minimum Viable Product) based on real feedback from major restaurant chains. As a result, the technology not only performs well under standard conditions but also meets the demands of continuous operation, easy maintenance, and seamless integration into industrial kitchen workflows.
To date, Zhana Solutions has deployed its solution in over 25 cities across Colombia, partnering with major brands such as KFC, Hyatt, and Crepes & Waffles. The startup has also received funding from the P4G initiative and participated in international support programs such as Climate Launchpad, where it received mentorship on green business models and strategies for international expansion. These achievements have not only brought financial resources but also strategic opportunities for scaling.
At the P4G Vietnam Summit 2025, Zhana Solutions attracted attention with a display featuring its integrated wastewater treatment model, showcasing a grease-to-biodiesel recycling process based on energy-saving technology. The event also offered the startup a chance to connect with investors, government representatives, and businesses from various countries that are grappling with the issue of urban food waste.
The case of Zhana Solutions is a clear example of how an often-overlooked environmental problem can be industrialized into a circular value chain. By focusing on a niche market with a clear need—industrial kitchen wastewater—they have not only addressed a technical challenge but also unlocked a sustainable business model. This startup proves that technology doesn’t need to be overly complex as long as it is rooted in real needs and delivers measurable benefits to both users and the environment.
The key takeaway: start with a specific problem, invest time to deeply understand your target market, and design technology based on the end-user experience. Zhana Solutions did not take shortcuts—they learned from failed models, optimized every technical detail, and built trust through proven operational efficiency. For founders in sustainable tech, Zhana Solutions stands as a testament to the power of combining serious R&D, smart market strategy, and the ability to communicate value in the language of both investors and industrial partners.
