Reusable Alternatives

2 Reusable Alternatives Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: October 7th, 2024

Investing in reusable alternatives offers a compelling path to a sustainable business. The concept is straightforward: develop and sell products that replace single-use items with durable, environmentally friendly alternatives. Think reusable straws, bamboo cutlery, and cloth shopping bags.

The appeal lies in the growing consumer demand for sustainable living. More people recognize the environmental impact of throwaway culture and are actively seeking products that reduce waste. If you can provide high-quality, stylish, and practical alternatives, you’ll attract a loyal customer base.

Starting this business involves product sourcing, designing, and marketing. Identify reliable suppliers, focus on creating unique items, and build an online store to showcase your offerings. Employ social media and partnerships with eco-conscious influencers to spread the word.

With a commitment to sustainability and a strategic approach, you can create a business that not only benefits the planet but also taps into a flourishing market of eco-aware consumers.

In this list, you'll find real-world reusable alternatives success stories and very profitable examples of starting a reusable alternatives that makes money.

1. MightyCall ($2.34M/year)

Anna Miranchuk, the Product Manager of MightyCall, shares that the idea for the business was not a sudden revelation but rather a spin-off from the larger tech company Infratel. As a team of nine employees, they saw the potential in the small business phone system market and began offering basic VoIP features. Despite a slow start, the team's personal and professional growth, as well as listening to customer feedback, helped MightyCall achieve success, with over $200,000 in monthly revenue and a user base of 6,000 small business owners and 25,000 active users.

How much money it makes: $2.34M/year
How many people on the team: 65

How We Launched A $195K/Month VoIP Business Phone Service

MightyCall's Product Manager, Anna Miranchuk, explains how they launched and grew a B2B VoIP business phone service that brings in just over $200,000 per month as of January 2021, with a user base exceeding 6,000 small business owners and 25,000 active users, and shares lessons for aspiring founders who want to build or grow their own business.

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2. Paper Saver ($72K/year)

Jon Yong, an architect, came up with the idea for the Paper Saver after constantly printing off draft designs that became obsolete moments later. He devised a handmade "Paper Saver" out of cardboard with a pocket inside, which allowed him to insert used paper and access the blank sides as pages of a notebook. Intrigued by the interest it generated from colleagues and clients, Jon and his partner launched the Paper Saver in 2015, and it has since grown year-on-year by an average of 20%.

How much money it makes: $72K/year
How many people on the team: 1

How We Invented And Launched A Notebook That Saves Paper

The Paper Saver is a sustainable notebook that reduces paper waste by utilizing used paper as pages, and has grown YOY on an average of 20% since its 2015 launch, with an expanded range including the Leather Paper Saver and the Sparkle Paper Saver for Kids.

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