Examples of social enterprises
What are wicked problems? What are the key challenges?
Inspiring examples
These social enterprises demonstrate how innovative business models can address social and environmental issues while remaining financially sustainable. From reducing food waste to promoting ethical supply chains, these organisations illustrate the diverse ways in which mission-driven companies create tangible impact.
from the Netherlands
ToNew York's Chocolonely:
Originally a Dutch company, Tony's Chocolonely is a textbook example of how to influence an entire industry. Their mission is to make the chocolate industry 100% slave-free. By raising awareness among consumers and proving that it is commercially viable to produce chocolate in a different way, they are putting pressure on large companies and governments to change their policies and practices around cocoa sourcing. https://nl.tonyschocolonely.com/
Crooked cucumber:
Kromkommer combats food waste by making products from ‘crooked’ vegetables that would otherwise be thrown away. Kromkommer fills a gap in the market by emphasising the value of imperfect vegetables and promoting a more sustainable food system. They influence both consumer behaviour and the practices of food producers. https://www.kromkommer.com/
VanPlestik:
VanPlestik transforms plastic waste into new, high-quality design and construction products using large-scale 3D printers. They tackle the plastic waste problem by demonstrating innovative and scalable recycling solutions, thereby turning a social problem into a business opportunity. https://vanplestik.nl/
from the heart of Brabant region
Gloovy Eco Gloves:
Gloovy Eco Gloves offers fully recyclable gloves as a sustainable alternative to conventional disposable gloves. This innovation tackles an environmental problem (plastic waste) and offers a more sustainable choice for businesses and consumers, a ‘service’ that may be underrepresented in regular options. https://gloovyecogloves.nl/en
Grease nipple:
Installs mobile sunscreen dispensers at events and public locations to raise awareness about skin cancer and make sunscreen accessible. This innovative service responds to a public health need, especially for visitors to outdoor events where sun protection is not always available or a priority. https://smeerkeeszonnebrandcreme.nl/
Let's do good:
Sells sustainable, artist-designed socks and donates a pair to organisations such as the Salvation Army for every pair sold. This scales an innovative business model (buy-one-give-one) to support homeless people. https://letsdogoods.com/