6 Companies Working for a More Sustainable Future

Earth Day is a time for us to reflect on our impact on the planet and consider how we can make small changes daily to create a larger positive change for our environment. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact of climate change and environmental degradation, there has been a growing demand for sustainable technology, products, services, and solutions. At XRC Ventures, we are proud to support sustainable brands and companies in our portfolio that are working to build a better future. In honor of Earth Day, we want to highlight some of the incredible work that our portfolio companies are doing to reduce landfill waste, reduce overproduction and material waste, and create a more sustainable and ethical food system.

Kashew is a marketplace powering furniture sales by connecting second-hand stores to the online world, thereby increasing stores’ online revenue by up to 20% per month. They are committed to sustainability and oppose the fast furniture movement that creates cheap, short-lasting, and non-recyclable furniture. The short lifespan of this type of furniture means that it’s the second-largest portion of urban waste, with 9.8M tons ending up in North America’s landfills every year.

HILOS is a SAAS platform business that provides apparel/footwear brands and private label retailers access to digital design tools and a global network of on demand footwear printers. They use 3D printing technology to create shoes on-demand, without the need for inventory or waste. By simplifying the construction and utilizing new materials, the company is committed to creating circular products that can be repurposed at the end of life. HILOS’ manufacturing process is also designed to save water, reducing water usage by over 99% compared to traditional shoe manufacturing.

Returnity custom-designs durable, reusable shipping bags and boxes out of recycled fabrics that pay for themselves. They replace single-use shipping packaging by designing, manufacturing and implementing reusable packaging and circular logistics systems. With over 100 billion global parcel deliveries per year and increasing online sales, the amount of packaging waste has become a major concern. Returnity’s reusable packages are designed to minimize cleaning requirements, reduce carbon footprint, and use minimal or bio-based materials.

Melibio takes bees out of the supply-chain with its lab-brewed molecular copy of honey, which has identical sweetness and viscosity to the real thing. The company uses microbial fermentation to create meli, a plant-based honey substitute that is identical to traditional honey in taste, texture, and functionality. Melibio’s fermentation process requires significantly fewer resources and produces zero waste, making it a more sustainable and eco-friendly option. The company also prioritizes ethical and humane treatment of bees, promoting their importance as pollinators and educating the public on the negative impact of commercial beekeeping.

Bobblehaus is a genderless, Gen-Z-led sustainable fashion platform and content generator. They create gender-neutral clothing made from upcycled materials and organic fabrics, minimizing waste and environmental impact. The company’s garments are produced in small batches to reduce overproduction, and they partner with factories that prioritize worker safety, fair wages, and benefits. Bobblehaus is also committed to using eco-friendly packaging materials and offers a clothing take-back program for recycling and repurposing.

Cluey is a web platform which acts as a values compass for conscious consumers who want to support brands that represent their values. They are dedicated to empowering consumers to make sustainable choices by providing information about the environmental impact of different products. Their website includes a product directory where users can search for sustainable products and compare their ratings based on factors such as carbon footprint, water usage, and waste. They also offer educational resources to help consumers understand the environmental impact of their purchasing choices and make more informed decisions.

These are just a few examples of the amazing work that our portfolio companies are doing to preserve our environment. Sustainable innovation is the key to creating a better world for future generations. This Earth Day, we encourage everyone to take action to reduce their impact on the planet and support companies that are working towards a more sustainable future.

Together, we can create a better tomorrow.