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5 Small Business Success Stories Fueled by Sustainability
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6 minutes to read
In a very competitive and uncertain world, there’s an assured way to rise above the noise—leading with purpose.
Discover how these businesses turned sustainability into a competitive advantage, and get inspired to do the same for yours.
In today’s business landscape, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a competitive edge. More and more companies are discovering that doing good for the planet also results in doing good for business.
Sustainability is not limited to any specific type or vertical of business. In this blog, we´ve got great examples from food & beverage, personal care, fintech, service and manufacturing. Businesses across industries are using their partnerships with Plastic Bank to make a measurable impact.
These companies aren’t just reducing plastic waste—they’re building trust, loyalty, and growth by aligning with the values of conscious consumers. Whether it’s tapping into new audiences, fostering a purpose-driven workforce, or attracting high-value partnerships, these brands are proving that doing good can drive prosperity for business too.
Food & Beverage
Hola Manolo!
When Hola Manolo! partnered with Plastic Bank, they elevated their brand from a local favorite to a global force for good. By committing a portion of their profits to fund bottle collection through Plastic Bank and proudly featuring the Plastic Bank logo on their packaging, Hola Manolo! redefined their identity. They weren’t just a Mediterranean food company anymore—they became the sustainable Mediterranean food company. This simple yet strategic move not only boosted trust among international suppliers but also positioned Hola Manolo! as a brand that goes beyond delivering high-quality products; it delivers real-world impact.
The Results:
- Secured international B2B deals across the EU, setting them ahead of major CPG brands
- Increased customer loyalty and retention in their local community
- Elevated employee satisfaction by building a culture rooted in purpose
Hola Manolo! didn’t just purchase a partnership—they invested in trust, visibility, and global reach. By leveraging Plastic Bank’s mission to stop plastic pollution and end poverty, they showed their partners and customers that they mean business—the good kind. Read the study here.
Fintech
Currensea
Currensea isn’t just about saving you money on your next trip; it’s about doing good while you travel. By partnering with Plastic Bank, Currensea has unlocked a win-win: their cardholders minimize fees and their environmental impact at the same time.
Currensea found a way to differentiate itself from other fintech companies by focusing on environmentally-conscious travelers. With every swipe, Currensea users can contribute to removing plastic materials from their travel destinations through Plastic Bank.
The Results:
- Removed enough plastic from the environment to cover an area larger than 10 UK football fields—an achievement they proudly share with their customers.
- Increased employee retention and elevated social media engagement as cardholders proudly share their contributions.
Currensea didn’t just create a debit card; they created a movement. By leveraging Plastic Bank’s mission, they’ve built deeper relationships with customers and partners who care about sustainability. They’re leading the way by showing the world that you can do well by doing good. Read the study here.
Cleaning Service
Hive Cleaning
Hive Cleaning, a professional cleaning service business, made a bold move to sweep the competition by putting sustainability at the heart of their operations. The result? Their customer base grows mostly by word of mouth.
By partnering with Plastic Bank, Hive Cleaning went beyond surface-level “green” initiatives. They committed to making a real impact—offsetting the unavoidable plastic used in their operations, fostering a positive work culture, and delivering outstanding service to like-minded, sustainability-focused clients.
The Results:
- Revenue growth from sustainability-conscious business partners and suppliers
- Improved customer loyalty and media exposure through engaging, authentic storytelling
- Grew the team to over 200 like-minded employees who are passionate about the company’s mission
Hive Cleaning didn’t just sign up for a feel-good initiative. They partnered with Plastic Bank to create a measurable impact. This collaboration helped them lead by example in the cleaning industry, showing that it’s possible to be both successful and genuinely sustainable. Read the study here.
Personal Care and Beauty
Solmates
Solmates Australia found the secret to success—by embedding sustainability into their core mission, they’ve become more than just another sunscreen brand. They’re a purpose-driven business stamping their brand into recognition with health-focused, environmentally-conscious consumers.
Solmates tackles two big issues at once: sun protection and plastic pollution. By using recyclable materials and funding plastic collection efforts, in partnership with Plastic Bank, they’ve positioned themselves as leaders in sustainability, all while maintaining credibility and trust in a fiercely competitive market.
The Results:
- Boosted market credibility and exposure
- Attracted high-value partnerships with measurable ROI
- Gained media attention and PR opportunities around their sustainable products
For Solmates, it wasn’t just about adding a green label. It was about backing up their sustainability claims with real action. Partnering with Plastic Bank gave them the transparency and traceability that conscious consumers demand, which in turn opened doors to new partnerships and customer loyalty. Read the study here.
Packaging Manufacturer
Cosmopak
Branding needs to be more than just good-looking—it needs to be good for the planet. That’s where Cosmopak comes in. They’ve designed their entire product offering around helping brands not only grow but also thrive in a shifting consumer landscape that demands sustainability.
Cosmopak partnered with Plastic Bank to go beyond the basics of recyclable materials. They offer two game-changing options: post-consumer recycled plastic or plastic offsets, giving brands a unique way to align with sustainable values. For Cosmopak, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s the future.
The Results:
- Boosted employee retention by fostering a purpose-driven work environment
- Expanded partnerships and design opportunities with sustainable brands
- Strengthened their ability to provide a range of solutions to their clients
Cosmopak’s collaboration with Plastic Bank allowed them to disrupt the packaging industry by offering brands verified solutions that enhance their sustainability claims. With Plastic Bank’s certificates and an EcoVadis Silver rating, Cosmopak ensures they can back up their sustainability claims—something every sustainable brand is looking for. Read the study here.
Conclusion
These five businesses have proven that sustainability can be a pathway to growth, trust, and long-term success. By partnering with Plastic Bank, they’ve not only reduced their environmental footprint but also unlocked new business opportunities and solidified their market presence.
With so many climate crisis episodes going around and affecting all of us, aligning your business with sustainability isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a must and a competitive advantage.
Ready to make a lasting impact? Sign up for an Impact Membership today at https://plasticbank.com/ and start making a difference now.
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