Justice for plant-based milk lovers

Happy Friday everyone! As always, we bring you news from the consumer goods x sustainability world.

I visited a café with a friend a couple of days ago and I ordered two teas. Just as I was about to pay my friend said "one with oat milk please". The waitress cancelled the transaction and I could see she gave the reason on screen of 'unhappy customer'. The reason for cancelling the transaction? It cost extra to get a shot of oat milk with your tea. Seems crazy when the real cost of dairy is so high! Hopefully Starbucks' move to take the extra charge off plant-based milks will set the new standard ??

Anyway, that's just one of our good news hits today...read on for more!

>> Challenger brands

?? Margaret Howell Limited, a UK-based fashion brand, has announced a partnership with SOJO, an online retail repair company that provides convenient door-to-door services. Alongside this, Margaret Howell Limited released its 2023 Sustainability Report, highlighting achievements like reducing Scope 2 market-based emissions to zero by switching to zero-carbon energy and reusing or recycling 100% of surplus stock.

?? Grounded, the plant-based protein shakes company, has launched in Whole Foods Market locations across New York and California in the US.

?? FlexSea has partnered with NanoLayr to create sustainable nanofibres for air filters through electrospinning technology. By combining FlexSea’s seaweed-based materials with NanoLayr’s expertise, the partnership aims to reduce reliance on synthetic and oil-based products for air filtration.

?? ManiLife, a UK B Corp nut butter brand, has invested over ￡1 million in a new facility in Derbyshire to bring production in-house, preserving its craft, small-batch approach. Expected to open in early 2025, the factory supports Manilife’s expanding reach within the UK and internationally.

?? Farrow & Ball has earned B Corp certification and released its first Responsibility Report. Some highlights include their 100% renewable energy-powered manufacturing site and waste minimisation strategies resulting in just 180g of waste per litre of paint produced.

>>Bigger organisations

? Starbucks announced they will be removing the extra charge for plant-based milks in the US and Canada starting November 7. Driven by high consumer demand and activism, this change encourages lower carbon milk options and supports customers with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

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