Sustainable eCommerce packaging company Better Packaging Co is one of five recipients in New Zealand of the annual grant from SheEO, a global support network for women entrepreneurs.
Founded by businesswomen Kate Bezar and Rebecca Percasky, Better Packaging Co is headquartered in New Zealand and designs custom packaging solutions, considering the entire product lifecycle from raw material sourcing to its disposal.
Better Packaging Co co-director Kate Bezar said its aim to provide affordable and sustainable alternatives to plastics for postal and courier delivers can now be taken internationally.
“We’re delighted to be selected as a SheEO Venture, not only because it will help us expand globally, but because it’s an acknowledgement of our vision to create evolutionary, customised packaging solutions for the new eco-nomy,” said Bezar.
“We're extremely grateful, especially to Vicki Saunders, the founder of SheEO. It was her genius idea to harness the radical generosity of women globally to foster entrepreneurial ventures run by other women. It's also just an incredible validation of our mission and the business model we have designed to help move the economy to a zero-waste model.”
As a SheEO venture, The Better Packaging Co receives a no-interest five-year loan, one year of coaching and support, and access to a network of women committed to supporting the business.
Bezar said the funds will go toward developing new products, such as home compostable courier labels, as well as more options to sustainably dispose products at end-of-life, and connecting with new clients around the world.
“The grant has opened up doors for us; we've found new customers and sales channels, gained access to professional services support and advice,” she said.
“That saying ‘It's who you know’ can be so very true. Being part of this global network means that we now ‘know’ thousands of women ('activators') who all have our success as their interest.”
The Better Packaging Co has already established a local and international client base, including brands such as Billabong, Karen Walker and L’Oreal, and has distribution centres in Australia and New Zealand.
