Friendlier: Eliminating single use packaging waste

Kayli Dale, Friendlier co-founder, said the company is on a mission to eliminate single use packaging waste making it as easy as possible for businesses to shift to reusable packaging instead.

“We’re reaching consumers through businesses which works well for us,” Dale said. “It’s important for consumers to share their passion for sustainability with the businesses they support.”

With her co-founder Jacquie Hutchings, Dale said they have been passionate about environmental sustainability since they were chemical engineering students at the University of Waterloo. Participating in an exchange in Sweeden made a big impression on them when they saw the integration of a circular economy there. “We wanted to bring the circular concepts to North America for consumers and businesses,” she said. Friendlier was founded because the friends felt it was time to be Friendlier to our planet.

Rhyze Ventures appealed to the entrepreneurs who were looking to establish a support system and connect with other female founders and mentors. They value the community, mentorship, and feeling of inclusivity that comes with participating alongside entrepreneurs with relatable experiences. Their Rhyze Ventures project is focusing on a growth strategy for efficient and effective scaling to reach as many businesses as possible and increase their positive impact.

Since launching about a year ago, Dale said that Friendlier elevated their brand from A Friendlier Company to position themselves for growth. In fact, they are about to achieve a new milestone of 50,000 containers reused! While their original program design was focused on event venues, due to COVID, they pivoted to providing take out containers that were safe. “Over 60 brands across southwestern Ontario are using our products,” Dale said. The team is looking to expand across Ontario. How will you know if your take out container is a Friendlier one? Friendlier containers are bright blue. Their system includes a deposit and return component.

Fore more information: https://www.friendlier.ca/.