Eliminating Plastic Waste, One Lunch Bag At A Time
Shopify Masters · with Kirsten Quigley · December 1, 2022 · 29 min
Summary
This episode features Kirsten Quigley, founder of LunchSkins, a brand dedicated to eliminating single-use plastic waste through reusable and biodegradable food storage. She shares her journey of building a mission-driven company, emphasizing the importance of sustainable sourcing, strong retail partnerships, and achieving certifications like B Corp to validate authenticity. Ecommerce operators will learn valuable lessons on balancing purpose with profit and effectively communicating their brand story.
Key takeaways
Prioritize finding manufacturing partners who share your values and can execute flawlessly, not just in conversation but with tangible proof and on-time delivery. Don't rely solely on verbal agreements; demand to see proof of quality at every step.
Cultivate long-term relationships with retailers by providing continuous education and sharing relevant news (e.g., plastic ban mandates) to demonstrate your brand's ongoing relevance and value beyond transactional interactions.
Pursue relevant certifications (e.g., B Corp, FSC, BPI) to authentically validate your brand's sustainability claims, build trust with customers and partners, and differentiate yourself in the market.
When integrating social impact, focus on a few key areas and execute them well rather than trying to tackle every possible initiative. This allows for deeper impact and clearer communication of your mission.
Leverage your brand's mission and story to differentiate yourself with retail partners, educating them on market trends and how your product meets evolving consumer demands for sustainability.
Kirsten Quigley, the founder and CEO of Lunchskins, is making sustainability accessible for everyone. Lunchskins sells biodegradable lunch bags and eco-friendly straws, created by a mother who wanted to make a difference when packing her kids’ school lunches.
Prioritize finding manufacturing partners who share your values and can execute flawlessly, not just in conversation but with tangible proof and on-time delivery. Don't rely solely on verbal agreements; demand to see proof of quality at every step.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Cultivate long-term relationships with retailers by providing continuous education and sharing relevant news (e.g., plastic ban mandates) to demonstrate your brand's ongoing relevance and value beyond transactional interactions.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Pursue relevant certifications (e.g., B Corp, FSC, BPI) to authentically validate your brand's sustainability claims, build trust with customers and partners, and differentiate yourself in the market.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
When integrating social impact, focus on a few key areas and execute them well rather than trying to tackle every possible initiative. This allows for deeper impact and clearer communication of your mission.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Leverage your brand's mission and story to differentiate yourself with retail partners, educating them on market trends and how your product meets evolving consumer demands for sustainability.
