Marybeth Collins
Six innovative UK startups have been selected to participate in the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator, a program designed to support the growth of businesses tackling environmental challenges. These startups will benefit from a 10-week intensive program featuring expert-led workshops, specialized mentorship, and the opportunity to refine their strategies for scaling eco-conscious solutions.
Since its launch in 2022, the Accelerator has backed over 40 startups across the UK and Europe, offering them more than $1.05 million in grants and credits. Collectively, these businesses have raised over $20 million and experienced a 700% boost in sales
The 6 UK Startups
Asan—This menstrual health startup aims to reduce waste by replacing disposable tampons and pads with reusable menstrual cups. With its innovative design, Asan can potentially divert millions of single-use products from landfills annually.
Morrow—Addressing the environmental impact of coffee production, Morrow crafts ‘beanless’ coffee from upcycled ingredients like fruit pips and grains, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional coffee, which faces declining land availability due to climate change.
MYOM (Make Your Own Milk)—Offering a powder oat premix, MYOM cuts down on packaging waste and transportation emissions. Unlike traditional plant-based milk, mostly water, MYOM’s product minimizes carbon output by reducing the need for bulky cartons and heavy shipments.
Paint Zero—This eco-conscious startup has developed a plant-based, fossil-fuel-free paint. Free of harmful chemicals and plastics, Paint Zero offers a safer, greener alternative for home renovation while reducing shipping emissions due to its dry formulation.
ReBorn—Based in Wiltshire, ReBorn transforms industrial waste into stylish, recyclable homeware products. In just over a year, they have saved more than 22,000 pounds of waste from entering landfills and are helping make the global homewares industry more sustainable.
ZIG+STAR—This children’s footwear brand tackles fast fashion by creating adjustable shoes that grow with kids’ feet, extending the product’s lifespan and reducing waste. Their Trade-In scheme offers recycling options, further minimizing the environmental footprint
Key Benefits of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator
The $12,600 equity-free grant and $10,500 in AWS Activate Credits provided by Amazon allow startups to focus on growth without giving up equity. This financial backing is a key advantage, but the Accelerator offers much more than funding. Participants benefit from expert mentorship and tailored workshops led by industry leaders aimed at helping businesses refine their operations, improve their sustainability practices, and scale effectively
Startups also undergo a Climate Impact Assessment in partnership with EIT Climate-KIC, Europe’s leading climate innovation agency. This process helps businesses measure their environmental footprint and develop strategies to minimize it. By gaining access to Amazon’s sustainability experts and resources like Amazon Launchpad, startups are well-positioned to enter new markets and grow their customer base
A Broader Impact
One of the program’s standout features is its alumni network, which offers long-term collaboration and support beyond the Accelerator. Past participants have found value in the network, often continuing to co-work and share insights long after the program ends. For startups like ZIG+STAR, this community has been crucial in learning how to balance profitability with sustainability
With the backing of Amazon and partners like Growth Studio, which provides hands-on mentorship, these startups are set to scale their businesses and drive meaningful change in their industries. The Accelerator fosters innovation and entrepreneurship with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, aligning with Amazon’s broader sustainability goals.