NEW INVESTEE: A FRIENDLIER COMPANY
It’s been a busy and exciting few weeks here at VERGE as we welcome yet another new investee, A Friendlier Company (AFC)!
With a goal of eliminating single-use plastic waste, AFC is transforming the food industry through its cost-effective approach to eco-friendly packaging. Taking inspiration from The Beer Store and adapting its deposit-based program into a smartphone app, AFC has created a centralized reuse system that recirculates takeout containers, thereby extending its useful life and reducing plastic waste. By providing an easy and convenient solution, AFC seeks to encourage members of the community to adopt this practice into their everyday consumption habits.
Once customers are finished with their meals, they can claim their deposits by scanning the QR code through the app. Afterwards, they can return their containers to any collection bin, where AFC will manage the empties and track the user’s positive environmental impact. When the bins are full, the containers will be collected by AFC and taken to a sanitation facility to be prepped for redistribution -- a process that can happen up to 100 times before finally going to a recycling centre! What’s more is that the containers are manufactured locally in Ontario using recycled plastics that require 24% less energy than other disposable takeout containers, making them a more environmentally friendly option even after one use.
The innovators behind AFC, Kayli Dale and Jacquie Hutchings, founded the company upon graduating from the University of Waterloo, where they both studied Chemical Engineering. Six co-op terms later (including a study-abroad trip to Europe), the two felt empowered to address the climate crisis that was failing to gain the attention it needed from North American corporations and individuals alike. Since launching in 2020, Kayli and Jacquie have brought their inventive solution to nearly 50 restaurants across Ontario – a number that we at VERGE are excited to see continue growing! Based in Guelph, AFC’s impact currently extends from Orangeville down to London, reaching cities from Hamilton all the way west to Lambton Shores, including Kitchener-Waterloo and Stratford. Here in London, AFC is already collaborating with some of our other investees, such as Reimagine Co, Momos at the Market, and Urban Roots London!
“We are incredibly excited about VERGE’s support on our mission to eliminate single-use food packaging waste. Their contribution will help us expand more quickly in Southwestern Ontario, allowing us to reach more restaurants, and divert even more waste and emissions!” - Kayli Dale, CEO
VERGE is excited to be joining AFC in its mission to create a sustainable future -- it’s time to be Friendlier to our planet!
