Date: March 5, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am PST
Reuse systems for food and beverage cups and containers are growing. From sports stadiums to university campuses, corporate head offices to whole neighborhoods, reuse systems are being adopted as they help reduce waste, drive down energy and resource use, and, in some cases, offer cost savings. But lack of understanding around how these systems work is impeding further scaling. CEOs from three reuse businesses share what adoptees need to know: when do these systems work best? Who needs to be involved in implementation? What is the role of policy, workplace practices, and collaboration in ensuring success?
Featured speakers:
Jacquie Hutchings, Co-founder and CEO, Friendlier
Jacquie is the CEO of Friendlier, a clean-tech start-up that is on a mission to simplify the transition from single-use to reusable packaging. After completing an academic exchange term in Sweden, Jacquie and Friendlier co-founder Kayli were inspired to live more sustainably and to make it easy for others to do the same. She was recognized as Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2023 in the Social Impact category. She sits as the chair of the Technical Committee of Reuse Standards at CSA Group, and on the advisory board of Canada Plastics Pact. She is actively sparking thought-provoking conversations around reusable packaging in the supply chain.
Dhruv Sood, Co-founder and Co-CEO, Fresh Prep and Cook it
Both Fresh Prep and Cook It are leading names in the meal kit delivery industry. Dhruv’s background in finance and logistics from UBC has helped him successfully grow Fresh Prep from a small Vancouver storefront in 2015 to a market leader which is serving customers across BC and Alberta. Under his leadership, Fresh Prep became Canada’s first B Corp-certified meal kit, championing sustainability with reusable packaging and local sourcing.
In February 2024, Dhruv successfully led the acquisition of Cook it, Canada's first meal kit company, expanding Fresh Prep's reach to Eastern Canada. Dhruv is committed to innovation, sustainability, and making mealtime easier for Canadians coast-to-coast.
Cody Irwin, Co-founder and CEO, ShareWares
Cody has co-founded three initiatives, including ShareWares. He has a mechanical engineering degree from McGill University and a deep passion for the circular economy. He grew his first Vancouver venture into a local industry leader, until the Covid-19 pandemic presented insurmountable challenges to sustaining a client base. Post-pandemic, Cody seized the opportunity to repurpose his company's resources and launched ShareWares, setting out on a mission to eliminate waste.
Cody serves on Metro Vancouver’s Solid Waste Management Plan Public/Technical Advisory Committee and the steering committee for the Green Industrial Innovation Districts. He is also a proud father of two children.