EQUO Makes Forbes List: 3 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Plastic Products in 2024

In a Forbes article written a year ago, celebrating women's leadership in sustainability businesses, we find its message still relevant today, and we're excited to share it with you.

Four female entrepreneurs involved in the development of plant-based products as alternatives to plastic - Tara Chandra and Susan Allen of Here We FLow, Marina Tran-Vu of EQUO, and Sheeva Sairafi of HoldOn

As society increasingly prioritizes climate action and shifts away from fossil fuel dependence, the concept of a "plant-based" economy gains momentum. From food to fuels and fibers, plant-based alternatives offer pathways to reducing carbon footprints and addressing environmental challenges like plastic pollution. This article highlights three female-founded companies offering plant-based consumer items to curb plastic usage.

Starting with EQUO, a sustainable brand providing eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products, we're proud to see our efforts recognized. Our plant-based, disposable straws, cutlery, and food containers are crafted to combat plastic pollution while paying homage to Vietnam's rich traditions, which deeply influence our Founder & CEO, Marina Tran-Vu.

Inspired by her upbringing and professional experiences, Marina launched EQUO with a vision to make a positive environmental impact. Combining her marketing expertise from companies like Unilever and Bacardi with Kickstarter funding, she established EQUO in 2020. Despite pandemic challenges, our commitment to sustainability has enabled us to overcome obstacles, now serving customers in over 15 countries.

EQUO straws and cutlery.

Our products, made from cellulose derived from rice, coffee, sugarcane, and coconut by-products, streamline production and align with our mission to spread awareness through marketing initiatives. With significant sales in Vietnam and expanding online direct-to-consumer sales in Canada and the US, our tagline, "keep the convenience, kick the plastic," drives our global marketing ambition.

The second example features Here We Flo, founded by Tara Chandra and Susan Allen during their master's studies at the London School of Economics. Their plant-based feminine hygiene products, marketed with humor under product lines like "glo," "FLO," and "XO!," reflect their commitment to environmental and justice issues.

The Here We Flo plant-based feminine hygiene products including the tampons in what looks like an icecream container. Image via Here We Flow.

Lastly, HoldOn, co-founded by Sheeva Sairafi, offers sustainable bags for food storage and trash management. Utilizing plant-based biopolymer PLA made from corn, their certified compostable bags provide a functional and eco-friendly solution.

Plant based zip closure and drawstring bag products from HoldOn. Image via HoldOn.

While plastics continue to serve diverse purposes in modern society, these examples showcase the potential of plant-based options to drive product-by-product progress in reducing environmental footprints.

Credit: Steven Savage