Transforming furniture into a conversation for our future
Jess Hodge is the co-founder of Resourceful Living, a company addressing the plastic crisis by giving new life to recycled products through developing sustainable pathways for plastic waste.
With a belief that there is always a solution, Resourceful Living are on a mission to change consumer ideas on recycled plastic and are transforming outdated beliefs by developing quality materials that can be used many times over. Jess and her team create bespoke designs that are both environmentally friendly and functional. Their products are constantly popping up in homes and offices as people embrace sustainable living.
At I2N’s Startup Stories at I2N Hub Honeysuckle on Wednesday 7th of June, Jess, participant in I2N's 2022 Accelerator, shared how she set out to find a sustainable solution to the environmental plastic burden, finding an approach which provides plastic a second, third, even up to a tenth life, as an alternate product to waste.
A circular economy is a life cycle of products that can be manufactured, used, recycled, and reused more than once. Resourceful Living is undertaking several stages in the process including manufacture, recycling, reuse, reintroduce and repair, and are on a mission to move towards a circular economy.
Catch up on Startup Stories with Jess Hodge
Top Takeaways
- Adaptability is a key to success—being able to pivot to what the customer is asking for, rather than being stuck wanting to prove that your way is the best way, is essential.
- If something goes wrong or doesn’t go to plan you haven’t failed, you have just found another way it won’t work.
- Education needs to be a part of your business journey; you can’t assume that everyone else understands the problem you are so passionate about.
- Jess was a part of I2N’s 2022 Accelerator which was incredibly beneficial to the growth of her business. If you want to accelerate your business idea, submit an application to one of our upcoming Accelerator programs.
The University of Newcastle's I2N works with individuals and organisations from across the Hunter region and beyond to turn ideas and challenges into opportunity. As a leading driver of economic and business growth, the I2N cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset that is behind many of the region's most innovative businesses and leaders.
Keep up to date with future I2N events, programs and opportunities by subscribing to I2N's monthly newsletter or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/i2n
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