Friendlier – a Canadian leader in the reusable packaging industry – recently announced a successful seed extension raise to further its mission of helping businesses transition from single-use to reusable packaging.
The successful closing of a $5 million funding round was led by Relay Ventures and Garage Capital, with support from experienced founders and operators. The funding round will accelerate Friendlier’s path to scale, with a focus on strengthening its sales team to meet growing demand and establishing new facilities in Guelph and Vancouver. And the company aims to build a robust reverse supply chain, supporting reusable packaging at scale as businesses increasingly move away from single-use plastics.
This announcement comes as Canada was set to implement its nationwide ban on the sale and distribution of single-use plastics this month. And that decision was recently overturned, and the federal government is planning an appeal. Many companies already started transitioning away from single-use plastic in response to consumer demands and in preparation for the impending ban.
Launched in 2019 by two chemical engineers, Friendlier offers returnable, multiple-use plastic containers at the same cost as single-use containers. And similar to a deposit fee on pop cans, customers pay a deposit which is returned when containers are returned. The containers are then sanitized and recirculated for use.
So far, Friendlier has raised a total of $8.35 million, including $850,000 in pre-seed funding, $2.5 million in seed funding, and the recent $5 million seed extension. Additionally, the company has secured over $1 million in non-dilutive funding.
After just three years in market, Friendlier recently celebrated a significant milestone of reusing one million containers, which is the equivalent to about 127,000 pounds of plastic waste, 370,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, and 8 million litres of water saved compared to single-use packaging.
Considering the growing demand for sustainable alternatives and a proven model at scale, Friendlier is looking to replicate the model to new markets with plans to tackle the single-use coffee cup problem with the introduction of a line of Friendlier reusable coffee cups.
KEY QUOTES:
“While the ban would help us capture the market that is resisting change away from single-use packaging, many brands are committed to improving the sustainability of their packaging regardless of the federal regulations. Canada can be a leader in embracing the change towards sustainable, circular packaging, or fight the change and delay the transition. This change is happening around the globe, and it’s not a question of if, but when the ban will be implemented.”
- Kayli Dale, CEO, Friendlier
“Friendlier is driving a paradigm shift in how businesses and consumers approach the issue of single-use packaging. In a world where environmental consciousness is paramount, Friendlier’s innovative solutions are not just alternatives; they are catalysts for a sustainable future. We are delighted to continue supporting Friendlier as they make a measurable impact on the environment.”
- John Albright, Founder and Partner, Relay Ventures, and Member, Friendlier Board of Directors
