Richard Oliver founded his sustainable packaging business to reduce plastic waste and save the planet
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Richard Oliver, founder of Sustainabl., gets it done like a boss.
How I get it done: Richard Oliver
How and why did you decide to launch your business?
One hot day on holiday in Ho Chi Minh City, I decided to quench my thirst with my favourite guilty treat… a kale smoothie. While slurping down a delicious cup of garden salad, I noticed the fantastic straw sitting elegantly in my cup. For years, I had been haunted by images of turtles choking on plastic, but not today! At this moment, looking at the grass straw, I knew what I had to do and thus Sustainabl. was born.
Three years on, Sustainabl. has grown into a team of turtle-loving champions, who are equally devastated by the impact single-use plastics have on our oceans. Driven by our collective passion for minimising the impact of packaging on our oceans and our planet, we produce the world’s best in class ‘truly’ sustainable packaging solutions.
What’s been the biggest challenge on your journey so far?
One of our biggest challenges is Hong Kong’s single-use plastic and bioplastic culture, so working towards becoming the catalyst for change within our community will be our biggest achievement.
What does the Launchpad community mean to you?
Sustainabl. is packaging with purpose. The Launchpad community, which is dedicated to supporting other founders and leaders as they grow their purpose-driven businesses, adds tremendous value to the entrepreneurial scene in Hong Kong and Singapore.
How I get it done: Lightning round
On a typical morning: Hot water, fresh lemon, and apple cider vinegar is my go-to morning brew! After that, I have a coffee to focus my mind before I open my emails. Then, if I’m lucky, I’ll get in 30 minutes of exercise before I head to the office.
On the advice you’d give your younger self: Think twice about becoming a lawyer! Stick to your guns on your dream of running a business.
On winding down in the evening: I often enjoy a nice glass of red wine and my favourite Netflix show.
Learn more about Sustainabl.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
