A new Worsley-based business has launched a series of ventures aimed at improving the sustainable practices of businesses and individuals.
David Oates, 45, has established The Clever Carbon Company, based in Worsley, with a mission to bring about change by rethinking the way that products are designed, made, used and decommissioned at their end of life.
The Clever Carbon Company aims to identify eco-friendly solutions in industries such as consumer products and clothing, which are currently the largest contributors to landfill.
The first priority area for The Clever Carbon Company is tackling the impact of single-use materials in the personal care industry.
This has led to the creation of NeuTrail, a novel refillable dispenser for personal care products such as shampoo or handwash. It is made from a single, recycled material, which makes the product easier to recycle repeatedly, and it has a simple, gravity-fed design.
David, who lives in Worsley, already runs a consultancy business called Mouthful, which focuses on advising the hospitality sector on strategy and growth opportunities.
David has received support for The Clever Carbon Company from the GC Business Growth Hub, and funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and British Business Bank.
He has also been collaborating with the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford on research and development projects linked to aspects such as materials science, rapid prototyping, innovation and digital enablement.
David’s second priority area is clothing and textiles. The Clever Carbon Company is developing solutions for high-demand, non-discretionary clothing, such as uniforms and workwear, through a venture named Cottonopoly.
Partnering with UK manufacturers, Cottonopoly supplies cotton or polycotton garments, initially school cardigans and sweaters.
Parents pay a deposit on each garment, which is then refunded when the item is returned after use. Returns then have an extended life as either pre-loved clothing or by being recycled into products of similar quality.
David added: “If society is to meet challenging climate targets in the years to come, this circular way of thinking about products will need to become more commonplace, which is where The Clever Carbon Company comes in.
“Currently the sustainability landscape is confusing to both businesses and members of the public. The Clever Carbon Company is all about making sustainable practice more accessible and practical.”
Recent Comments