Tag Archives: eco packaging

News

Sustainability innovator helps founder bag Dragons’ Den investment

A gardening startup that uses the latest in compostable packaging innovation has become the latest winner in this season’s Dragons’ Den.

The key component of Grow Sow Simple’s judge-wooing seed kits, which won an £80,000 investment from Dragon, Sara Davies, are clever biodegradable pods. They’re made of bespoke moulded fibre, a wonder material, by Cullen Eco Packaging. The pod is just one example of the sustainable, compostable material shaped into an increasing array of designs to replace plastic packaging.

Entrepreneur Dan Robson, the man behind Grow So Simple, won backing on the BBC show which aired on 19th January 2023. His firm’s sought-after seed kits make growing your own veg more accessible. The flagship product, a biodegradable pod with multiple seeds inside (e.g. allotment garden mix of cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage), sells in over 150 stores in the UK and has lucrative orders coming in from as far as California.

Cullen Eco Packaging’s zero waste innovations are rapidly replacing plastic packs for everything from gardening products like Grow So Simple’s kits to moulded fibre bottles, a paper bottle replacement for dry goods such as vitamins, spices, home cleaning products and more.

David MacDonald, Cullen ECO-Friendly Packaging’s Owner, said: “Congratulations to Dan and his team on winning the Dragons’ Den investment. Dan is as passionate about innovation and sustainability as we are. Our moulded fibre packaging is a game changer not just for Grow So Simple but also anyone using plastic containers. We can design, engineer and manufacture replacements for most plastic packaging, and currently do so not just with Dan’s great business, but with over 1 billion products per year to companies in 34 countries.”

Dan Robson, added: ““The idea for my company was born out of my passions for sustainability and making gardening accessible. I am delighted that Sara, whose phenomenal brand was also created off the back of her own obsession for crafting, saw potential in our company at this critical phase in our journey.”

Dragons’ Den panellist and investor, Sara Davies, said: “I liked Dan the moment I met him and I really resonated with his commitment to giving all people, from all walks of life, the chance to grow their own vegetables. This level of passion, along with a strong concept, is critical for business success so I’m looking forward to seeing him develop and grow his fantastic brand.

Awards, News, Packaging, Sustainability

Scottish sustainability pioneer named country’s best entrepreneur

A Scottish sustainable packaging pioneer has clinched the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2022, UK Transformational Leader title. Glasgow-based David MacDonald, owner of Cullen Eco-Friendly Packaging, won the hotly-contested national award at the recent EY Awards ceremony in Manchester. A panel of entrepreneurial peers judged MacDonald the winner from over 30 semi-finalists and 19 finalists of the UK’s brightest and best entrepreneurs who are driving economic growth and job creation.

David has been a force in the sustainable packaging movement, producing over 1 billion eco-friendly packaging products since 2020, announcing the creation of 120 new jobs this year and driving a £15 million expansion plan to make the UK a sustainable products and packaging manufacturing leader. Additionally, he spearheaded the launch of the innovative Fibre Bottle, a patented biodegradable paper bottle that can, uniquely, remove 300 million plastic bottles, pouches or glass per year from our shelves, which has earned an endorsement from one of the world’s foremost environmental campaigners, Sian Sutherland of A Plastic Planet.

Under David’s leadership, Cullen has become a global company, growing from one export country to 34 destinations, with the skill and capacity to replace most single use plastic packaging with moulded fibre alternatives within one month. David is also recognised for transforming the whole culture of Cullen, with the company now united in supporting and driving his mission of helping the world achieve its sustainability goals.

David MacDonald, Cullen ECO-Friendly Packaging’s Owner, said: “I’m so proud to be named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 UK Transformational Leader Winner. I am delighted and humbled to be recognised for my achievements in growing the business, generating jobs and creating sustainable, market-disrupting products and packaging that are viable replacements for single-use plastics. Sustainability is my passion and I’m driven by innovation and finding solutions to our clients’ challenges, solutions that will bring about real change.”

Gregor Angus, EY regional judge commented: “Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates leaders with inspirational stories – those who are creating long term value, reframing our future, and contributing purpose beyond profits. Entrepreneurship can be demanding and isolating, so the programme goes beyond a competition and enables leaders to reflect on their successes and share their most pressing challenges with like-minded peers in this outstanding entrepreneurial community.

“It has been a privilege hearing the stories of our inspiring Scottish cohort as they demonstrate the talent, passion and entrepreneurial flare we have throughout the country, and the value they create within their business, across local and international markets and for their communities.”