Better Nature becomes the world’s first Plastic Neutral meat-alternative company

The innovative tempeh brand goes Plastic Neutral, sustainably removing the same amount of plastic from the environment than they produce.

Better Nature, the UK-based tempeh brand, is leading the change on plastic pollution by partnering with rePurpose Global, the world’s first Plastic Credit Platform helping individuals and businesses rebalance their unique plastic footprint.

“Due to the relatively complicated food safety aspect of tempeh production, it’s really difficult to remove plastic from its production and packaging. It’s something that really frustrates us as a team and we’re constantly working on”, shares Amadeus Driando Ahnan-Winarno, co-founder and Head of Technology at Better Nature. “We’re particularly looking into how we could use recycled or renewable materials rather than virgin plastic. We’re making progress, but it will take a while to implement, so in the meantime offsetting the plastic we produce is a productive step”.

Better Nature is now contributing to the removal of the same amount of plastic from the environment as they use, making them the first Plastic Neutral meat-alternative company in the world. Contributions, made in the form of monetary donations, are based on how much plastic the company uses in their packaging and shipping materials.

All contributions will be sent to rePurpose Global partner, Waste4Change, a social enterprise based in West Java, Indonesia, that develops sustainable waste management systems to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. By supporting the organization, Better Nature will reduce the amount of plastic that is sent to landfill and instead ensure it is re-used in an environmentally and socially responsible way.

By going Plastic Neutral, Better Nature is not only helping to tackle an almost £40bn/yr funding gap that plagues recycling supply chains worldwide, but is also adding an income stream for over 140 waste management workers and their families in West Java, the home of tempeh.

Today, informal waste workers often earn less than £4/day, work in precarious conditions, and face severe discrimination despite providing a crucial societal service for cities across the developing world. Through this initiative, Better Nature is boosting these workers’ income by attaching value to hard-to-recycle plastics, while supporting an experienced recycling social enterprise that holistically uplifts ex-waste pickers through occupational safety, health insurance, and skills training. 

Aditya Siroya, co-founder and Chief Impact Officer of rePurpose Global, comments: “Planetary protection is at the core of Better Nature. It’s so refreshing to see them push the boundaries on tackling the plastic waste problem. Forward-thinking brands like Better Nature are the need of the hour. We hope this pioneering move pushes more brands to take responsibility for their own plastic waste.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to rebalance our plastic footprint, as well as support such a positive and impactful initiative in the country that I call home and has provided us with the gift of tempeh”, explains Amadeus Driando Ahnan-Winarno.

Elin Roberts, co-founder and Head of Marketing at Better Nature comments, “At Better Nature, our mission is to do things the better way – for people, the planet and animals. But the better way is not always the perfect way – it’s about making whatever changes we can to get closer to our greater goals. As a start-up, it can be tricky to implement all the changes we want to from the beginning, but we’re working hard to be as sustainable as possible. Going Plastic Neutral is a step in the right direction for us, and one we want to encourage more businesses to take.”

Better Nature sells their organic, tempeh-based products in a range of stockists and via their own online shop, either individually or as bundles. The company is offering free, nationwide delivery on all orders over £20, offering next day delivery if ordered before 12pm Monday to Thursday.