My company, TerraCycle, has been at the forefront of recycling technology for over a decade. We develop recycling solutions for difficult-to-recycle waste streams: from water filters, toothbrushes and other products, to post-consumer packaging waste, chewed gum and cigarette butts. Thanks to our corporate sponsors, we offer recycling programs for these waste streams (among many others) to consumers, schools and other organizations at no cost, successfully avoiding the common economic barriers that prevent most waste streams on the planet from being recycled.
Addressing the economic challenges of collecting and recycling waste has been a significant test to our business model. We offset the inherent logistical costs of recycling by utilizing a variety of models, such as sponsorship from major brands or through partnerships with waste management companies and municipalities. While these recycling models have been incredibly successful, we are always seeking new ways to reach more consumers and recycle more waste streams, all while overcoming the economic barriers to recycling. Today, we have a new concept launching with Staples that seeks to address each of these points -- Zero Waste Boxes.
Zero Waste Boxes are different from our traditional recycling programs in two key ways: they allow us to recycle almost any type of waste, and they aren't free. After purchasing a box--the price of which includes shipping costs, as well as some aspects of separation and processing-- individuals or businesses fill it with waste, attach the prepaid shipping label provided with each box, and send it back to us for recycling. This payment structure allows us to circumvent traditional costs associated with collection and transportation, and allows us to focus entirely on processing, giving us an opportunity to recycle almost any form of waste in existence.
We recently partnered with Staples here in the U.S. to bring our Zero Waste Boxes to a wider audience of consumers. Today our Zero Waste Boxes are listed on Staples.com, giving U.S. consumers and businesses the opportunity to recycle more of their household or office waste when municipal recycling systems aren't enough--items like light bulbs, writing utensils, coffee capsules, packaging supplies, and much more. While it's a simple and carefree waste solution, introducing a paid recycling model ultimately begs the question: Are people willing to pay a premium to recycle waste they previously threw away?
We think so, and we think businesses and other organizations will as well. Consumers are already exhibiting a greater willingness to pay more for "green" products, and people across the world are increasingly motivated to make more sustainable purchasing decisions. The rise in conscious consumption might be slow and steady, but as environmental issues increase in salience around the globe, we continue to see people translating their concern for the environment into action.
Another good indicator for us is the success we witnessed during our Canadian launch of the Zero Waste Box platform with Staples.ca. Countless businesses used (and continue to use) Zero Waste Boxes to fulfill their own sustainability goals, and we received great feedback from consumers who used the boxes as a way to recycle waste not accepted by their municipal programs or TerraCycle's free recycling programs. Our Canadian launch was so successful that Environmental Leader awarded Staples Canada and TerraCycle's Zero Waste Box with a 2015 Top Product of the Year Award.
In addition to the Zero Waste Box's ability to help individuals and businesses achieve their waste diversion goals, it also serves as a great marketing opportunity for sustainably minded companies. People want to see real action, and leveraging an investment into sustainability like this can bring social value to an organization in the eyes of ever-wary consumers. Even a company's workforce can benefit from adopting internal sustainability goals.
While the Zero Waste Box is still a growing platform, it has made a strong entrance into the market for premium recycling solutions. Staples is setting a great example for other retailers by showing their commitment to helping individuals and businesses reduce their environmental impact, and we're excited to see where our partnership--and the Zero Waste Box platform--will take us in the near future.
What do you think? Are consumers and businesses going to pay to recycle the waste they've been throwing away for years?