6 Innovative Companies That Are Leading the Charge on Waste Reduction

The tide is turning on our throw-away culture. Consumers and businesses alike are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental crisis caused by plastic pollution and linear economies. A staggering statistic reveals that according to National Geographic, over 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year. This plastic waste harms marine life, pollutes our beaches, and disrupts entire ecosystems.

The good news? Innovation is flourishing in the fight against plastic waste. A new wave of companies is emerging, offering sustainable solutions and pioneering a shift towards a circular economy.

In this blog post, we'll explore six companies that are leading the charge in reducing waste across various industries with innovative approaches that are making a positive impact on our planet.

1. TULU: Rethinking Convenience with On-Demand Products 

Balancing 1- convenience with 2- sustainability when it comes to essential home electronics and products is a major issue with consumers today. TULU tackles this challenge head-on with its innovative on-demand kiosks that prioritize waste reduction with ready-to-use products.

Here's how it works: Customers can request a wide range of products – from household appliances like vacuums to home projectors – through TULU’s user-friendly app. As the lifestyles of residents change, buildings can ensure that their communities have access to what they want with constantly updated and upgraded inventory in their TULU, a self-contained unit where people can access the products. 

TULU’s commitment to reusability goes beyond convenience. They understand the impact of a sharing economy and actively promote a more sustainable way to try out new products. This not only benefits the environment by minimizing waste generation, but it also empowers consumers to make eco-conscious choices in their daily lives.  Even the participating brands benefit by letting potential customers try + experience the product before committing to a purchase and collecting valuable data about consumer preferences and maintenance and repair.

2. Good Filling: Refill Revolution for Everyday Needs

Single-use packaging dominates the landscape of many consumer products. From beverages to household cleaners, the sheer amount of plastic waste generated is alarming. Good Filling steps in with a revolutionary approach – a refill model that’s available on-demand all day, every day. 

Our user-friendly Hydration Stations and Dispensing Stations (patent-pending technology) offer a convenient and sustainable alternative to single-use packaging. Here's how it works: customers bring their own reusable containers and refill them with a variety of products, including:

• Cold beverages (coffee, tea, kombucha) from popular brands like La Colombe, George Howell, Joyride, Grady’s and Intelligentsia.
• Home care products (dish soap, laundry detergent) from trusted brands like Puracy, Seventh Generation, Dr. Bronner’s, etc.
• Personal care items (shampoo, body wash, conditioner, lotions)

Good Filling doesn't just provide a refill solution; it cultivates a community around sustainability. By installing Good Filling Stations in residential buildings, office spaces, and even zero-waste stores, we create a convenient and affordable option for residents and customers to restock their daily essentials without generating unnecessary waste. This fosters a more sustainable lifestyle and empowers users to make eco-conscious choices. 

Plus, every partner receives a monthly report that includes the number of ounces refilled for each product, the aggregate impact of these refills, and the environmental impact of our partnership. 

3. Kadeya: Sustainable Hydration on Tap

Plastic water bottles are a major contributor to plastic pollution. A 2020 report by The Ocean Cleanup estimates that over 29 million tons of plastic waste were generated from single-use plastic bottles in 2019 alone. According to this next company, offices alone spend $7 billion on single-use beverages today. 

Kadeya tackles this issue by offering a sustainable alternative – refillable water systems. Their innovative approach aims to make hydration convenient and environmentally friendly. Imagine this – refillable water machines installed in offices, buildings, or even public spaces. Kadeya's systems allow users to easily refill reusable water bottles dispensed and received from their machine. It eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles and significantly reduces plastic waste. Once people are done using the bottle, the machine takes the bottle back, sanitizes it, and refills it for the next person. 

The benefits of Kadeya's solutions extend beyond environmental impact. Their refillable systems promote convenience and provide a cost-effective option for staying hydrated throughout the day. Their team is even testing various flavorings for sparkling water and other beverages in its machines, proving that it can be a viable alternative for soda companies that want to cut back on packaging waste and shipping methods. 

4. Green Gooding: Championing the Circular Economy With Appliance Renting

Single-use products often cater to occasional needs, creating a significant amount of unnecessary waste. Green Gooding tackles this challenge by promoting a circular economy through their innovative rental system.

Imagine needing a specific appliance for a short period, like a power drill for a weekend project or a juicer for a week-long cleanse. Green Gooding offers a convenient and sustainable solution – renting these appliances instead of purchasing them for single use.

Their circular economy rental system allows users to access a variety of small appliances on a short-term basis. This not only reduces waste by eliminating the need for single-use appliances but also promotes efficient product utilization. Green Gooding ensures appliances are properly maintained and reused, extending their lifespan and minimizing overall waste generation.

5. Dispatch Goods: Empowering Businesses with Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Businesses are a major contributor to packaging waste. From shipping materials to product packaging, the sheer volume of single-use packaging generated is staggering. Dispatch Goods tackles this challenge head-on by offering businesses a sustainable and cost-effective alternative – reusable packaging solutions.

Their innovative approach involves creating a reuse system specifically designed for businesses. Dispatch Goods provides reusable packaging that companies can utilize for shipping and product delivery, as well as assistance in creating reusable programs. This eliminates the need for single-use options like cardboard boxes, plastic wrap, and packing peanuts.

The benefits of Dispatch Goods' solutions are twofold – environmental and economic. By adopting reusable packaging, businesses significantly reduce their waste footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. Additionally, Dispatch Goods' model offers cost savings for businesses compared to traditional single-use packaging options.

Imagine the impact of businesses across various industries adopting Dispatch Goods' reusable packaging solutions. The collective environmental benefit would be immense, contributing to a significant reduction in waste generation and promoting a more circular economy.

6. Bevi: On-Demand Refill Revolution for Water Lovers

Bottled water is another major culprit in the plastic waste crisis. A 2019 report by The Spruce highlights that Americans alone use around 35 billion plastic water bottles each year, with a significant portion ending up in landfills or polluting our environment.

Bevi offers a refreshing alternative – on-demand refillable water solutions for offices and commercial spaces. Similarly to Kadeya, Bevi’s user-friendly refill stations provide convenient access to still, sparkling, and flavored water, all without the environmental burden of single-use plastic bottles. 

Here's how it works: Customers can visit Bevi stations and refill their own bottles or cups with their preferred choice of water. This not only eliminates plastic waste but also promotes a more sustainable way to stay hydrated. Unlike Kedaya and more like Good Filling, this solution requires consumers to bring and refill their own containers, promoting a shift towards a circular economy and reducing our reliance on single-use plastic.

A Collective Effort for a Sustainable Future

These companies are just a glimpse into the exciting movement towards a waste-free future. Innovation is driving the development of sustainable solutions that offer convenience and environmental benefits across various industries.  All of the companies included in this post have much to offer (convenience, health benefits, economic savings, etc.) beyond just the fact that they’re far more sustainable!

The collective effort of these companies, along with a shift in consumer behavior, has the potential to significantly reduce waste generation and create a more sustainable future for our planet. Here's how different players can contribute to a future that reduces waste:

• Consumers: By supporting companies that prioritize sustainability, choosing reusable options wherever possible, and advocating for change.
• Businesses: Explore innovative solutions like Good Filling's refill stations or Dispatch Goods' reusable packaging systems. These can significantly reduce your company and community’s environmental footprint and potentially offer cost savings compared to traditional single-use options.
• Building Owners and Property Managers: Partner with companies like Good Filling or Kadeya or Bevi to install refill stations in your buildings. This not only offers a convenient amenity for residents or tenants but also fosters a sustainable community and reduces reliance on single-use packaging.
• Investors: Consider supporting companies at the forefront of the waste reduction movement. Their innovative solutions have higher margins, the potential to disrupt entire industries and create a more sustainable future. 

About Good Filling

Good Filling is on a mission to provide buildings and residents with more convenient, more sustainable, and less expensive options for their daily needs: available on-demand all day, every day. 

Ready to differentiate your property as a leader in convenient, sustainable, and community-oriented living? Learn more about adding a Hydration or Dispensing Station to your building amenities to reduce plastic waste and help your residents save money.