Summary

HaPPE Earth is an Irish company that helps organisations—especially in medical care —reduce single‑use plastic waste by replacing traditional plastic PPE (personal protective equipment) with medically approved, fully compostable alternatives and providing a circular waste solution. They manufacture compostable PPE such as aprons from proprietary bio‑resins that meet safety standards equivalent to conventional products, but break down much faster and with a significantly lower environmental impact. (Source) Beyond supplying compostable PPE, HaPPE Earth offers an on‑site bio‑digestion system that processes this PPE together with food waste into nutrient‑rich fertiliser, diverting waste from incineration or landfill. They also include real‑time data monitoring and reporting tools to help clients track reductions in plastic waste and carbon emissions and support sustainability goals. (Source) Initially developed as a response to the surge in plastic waste during the pandemic, the company grew through participation in programmes like Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Phase 2, securing pre‑seed funding and piloting their products in hospitals.  (Source)

Story

The company was founded by cousins Dr. Mary O’Riordan and Lisa O’Riordan, who were inspired to create a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic personal protective equipment (PPE) in the wake of the COVID‑19 pandemic.  Mary, a physician with deep experience in infectious disease control and public health, combined her clinical insight with Lisa’s design, production, and business background to develop medically approved compostable PPE, beginning with a compostable apron designed to match the safety standards of conventional plastic PPE. Their shared entrepreneurial drive, practical knowledge, and passion for sustainability led them to launch HaPPE Earth to help reduce plastic pollution in healthcare and beyond. (Source)

Pic credit: HaPPE (right) and Linkedin (top)