INVISIBLE CO.
Devana & Flavien - Co-Founders
1st June 2024
R4: With respect to your background, why did you start Invisible Co.?
Invisible Co.: Back in 2018, we were both working corporate jobs and just couldn't help but notice all the packaging and waste piling up around us. On the weekends, we'd go hiking in the beautiful Hong Kong nature trails, and could not stand with all the trash around, we then hike & pick up all sorts of trash - bottles, plastic bags, snack wrappers, tissues. It started to really create an overall Eco-Anxiety. On those long hike, we thought we had to find a better, more sustainable way to tackle this growing waste problem.
This drove us to start conceptualizing and developing our idea over the next two years. In February 2020, we officially established Invisible Company and launched #INVISIBLEBAG - a dissolvable, compostable, and landfill-biodegradable packaging alternative to traditional plastic.
The Future of Packaging, Today
R4: And why this area in particular? Any personal mission?
Invisible Co.: The core concept behind Invisible Company is to make sustainability the norm and packaging 'invisible' - where the responsible disposal and biodegradation of our products have minimal impact on the environment.
We specifically chose to start with flexible packaging, like what's used for e-commerce and clothing, because this is an area where brands wield a lot of influence over the consumer experience. When people go shopping, they're often presented with pre-packaged products without much choice in the matter. We saw this as a key leverage point to disrupt the status quo and offer sustainable alternatives that brands can readily adopt.
We believe that making changes at the brand and manufacturer level - where the bulk of packaging decisions are made - has the potential for even greater impact. Even small steps, like swapping out traditional plastic for our dissolvable #INVISIBLEBAG or adopting a holistic approach to design sustainably, can snowball into significant environmental benefits over time. Our goal is to be a catalyst for this positive change, making sustainability the new industry standard.
R4: How did you find the process of creating an “invisible packaging”? What was the main challenge? And the most rewarding?
Invisible Co.: At Invisible Company, we see creating impact beyond packaging. Our goal is to develop holistic solutions that eliminate negative environmental impact at every stage - from resource extraction to end-of-life disposal but also consumer awareness and behavioral change.
When people think of sustainability, they often see the 'triple bottom line' of planet, people, and profit. But we believe sustainability is about how we protect the environment where we extract the resources from, how we can take actions that benefit the environment we live in, and how we can all be a responsible citizen and consumer to dispose of resources properly. Furthermore, we should support the ecosystems for both present and future generations, and make choices that are financially viable, sustainable for all the people involved in developing the solution.
The main challenge we've faced in realizing this vision is shifting mindsets and behaviors - both at the corporate decision-maker level and among general consumers. Even as awareness of sustainability has grown, there is still a strong tendency to prioritize short-term profits and convenience over long-term environmental considerations, with a certain resistance to change, probably linked to risk aversion for new technology or products requiring operation change.
Changing deeply entrenched systems and habits is an immense undertaking. But every time we connect with a consumer or brand who shares our passion and commitment to making a difference, it reignites our determination to keep pushing forward. The positive feedback and tangible impact we've seen make all the hard work worthwhile.
It's a difficult journey but we firmly believe that by staying true to our principles and continuing to educate, we can create a future where sustainability is the default, not the exception. Every small step we take brings us closer to that goal.
R4: Besides from using and advocating for your bags, how can we all help?
Invisible Co.: Looking at your lifestyle, every one of your habits, everything you consume, and asking yourself "How could I do better for the environment and our society?" and "Is there an alternative solution to replace this?" can make a difference.
For example, look at your bags and belongings - could you replace a tissue pack with a reusable towel? When getting takeaway, could you bring your own container? When buying food and drinks, could you look for sustainably-sourced options? When purchasing new clothing or furniture, could you research buying secondhand to support the circular economy?
And if you work in a corporation, you could push for including more sustainable options in the procurement process. These small actions of "Thinking and taking one more step" are what we need more people to build awareness around - implementing them at home, at work, and everywhere to influence others. While one individual's voice may not be heard, when everyone comes together and speaks up, we can create real and impactful change.
R4: How do you envision the future of the packaging industry? What is the ultimate dream of Invisible Co.?
Invisible Co.: Our ultimate dream is to make sustainability a norm, not the exception. We envision a future where eco-friendly packaging solutions are not just a niche, but the industry standard - readily available, and industrialized for businesses and consumers.
To realize this vision, we believe a multi-pronged approach is necessary. Government policies and regulations will play a critical role in incentivizing sustainable practices and establishing clear benchmarks for the packaging industry as well as the manufacturers to adopt. With the right legislative framework in place, businesses will have the guidance and motivation to prioritize environmental impact in their product development and supply chain decisions.
But it can't stop there. Widespread consumer education and demand for green alternatives are also essential. As people become more conscious of their purchasing choices and the real-world consequences, the market will naturally shift to meet that need. Sustainability can no longer be seen as a mere marketing slogan, but an integral part of doing business responsibly and effectively.
“R4 were one of our very first clients and helped us to get the #INVISIBLEBAG rolling. We’ve loved building our relationship with them every step of the way and it’s a genuine pleasure getting to work with like-minded brands that are doing amazing work for the planet and for sustainable fashion”
Flavien, Co-Founder
INVISIBLE CO.