Mandy Blyss is an avid coffee drinker and nature lover and was frustrated that she couldn’t recycle her aluminium coffee pods at home. With 77 billion coffee capsules to be produced in 2022, Mandy was determined to find a solution to this problem. Introducing, rePodder.
RePodder is a hand-held tool that empowers consumers to recycle aluminium Nespresso (and compatible) coffee capsules at home through existing kerbside recycling systems, providing convenience while reducing the footprint associated with the current ‘collect and return’ method.
It’s the first of its kind that has solved the end-of-life coffee capsule problem and saves them from entering landfill. Plus it gives consumers access to coffee grounds to use in their own compost and gardens. Finally, it allows coffee capsules to fit into the circular economy with true sustainability.
We recently spoke to Mandy about her business and her journey as a female founder.
What inspired you to start your business?
My love of nature clashed with my love of coffee when I ended up tossing my capsules away because the ‘collect and return’ method wasn’t convenient for me. I started asking others about what they were doing with them and was astounded that most were tossing them away. With over 90% of Australian residences having kerbside recycling, I became increasingly frustrated why there wasn’t a way for consumers to utilise this convenient and existing recycling method for coffee capsules. This made me determined to find a way.
What milestones have you reached?
Lots! I’ve lodged my trademark and patent. After completing prototyping, the moulding tool is made and enroute to Brisbane, ready for first production run to start in October 2022 for delivery to nearly 200 customers world-wide!
What business achievements are you most proud of to date?
Never giving up in my quest to devise an effective solution to address this massive issue. Ensuring the product had a long life was crucial. The outcome is a highly durable tool, with a cutting head that is replaceable and recyclable. Completing a successful crowdfunding campaign proved consumers are willing to embrace a new solution that delivers on sustainability and convenience.
Have you participated in any Advance Queensland programs, or received any support from Advance Queensland to date?
Yes. I attended a commercialisation and growth webinar and was matched with a fabulous mentor through the Female Founders Program.
What’s your advice for other female entrepreneurs and businesses starting out on their entrepreneurship journey?
Ask lots of questions to test the market, reach out for assistance as early as possible in your journey and believe in yourself and your product/service.
