Amazing Tullamore students scoop second place at prestigious World Cup

Young Social Innovators (YSI) has announced that Grass Sheets, an eco-business created by five students from Tullamore College, Co. Offaly, has achieved an extraordinary 2nd place finish at the prestigious SAGE World Cup 2025 in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The team first rose to national prominence in May when they won the YSI Gold Award for Young Social Innovators of the Year, and were later selected to represent Ireland at SAGE Global against over 20 countries.

Their success on the world stage highlights the power of youth-led innovatio, the passion of young people and the impact of YSI’s mission to empower young people to drive social and environmental change.

Grass Sheets produces a fully sustainable paper alternative made entirely from 100% repurposed grass clippings. Their product range includes biodegradable paper bags, bespoke wedding invitations, bookmarks, and wildflower seed pouches that can be planted directly into the soil to promote biodiversity.

In a breakthrough ahead of the competition, the students developed a bleached version of their grass paper, broadening its potential uses and wowing judges with their creativity and technical skill.

On their journey to the finals, the team overcame strong competition from Japan, China, and South Africa, ultimately reaching the top four alongside Vietnam’s SubstitOud and the USA’s Naturista before claiming a remarkable second place overall.

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SubstitOud (Vietnam) captured first place with their smokeless, eco-friendly incense made from coconut husk and vetiver grass, dramatically reducing air pollution and protecting endangered Oud trees, while Naturista (USA) secured third place with fully biodegradable, plant-based coffee pods designed to eliminate microplastics and landfill waste.

The team worked with teachers Ms. Emma Bradley and Mr. Ian Feighery throughout the project, using discarded grass sourced from Offaly County Council and Tullamore Pitch and Putt Club to create their innovative paper products.