Lauren Gropper, Founder & CEO of Repurpose, Bettering Convenience through Compostability

In today’s episode we speak with Lauren Gropper, founder of Repurpose — a company creating compostable, plant-based alternatives to single-use plastic products.Repurpose supports the circular economy by replacing petroleum-based, single-use plastics with compostable materials designed to return safely to the earth after use, rather than persist in landfills or our ecosystems.The problem: Globally, over 400 million tons of plastic are produced each year, with a significant portion designed for single use. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, around half of all plastic produced is single-use, and only about 9% of plastic waste ever created has been recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, incinerated, or leaking into ecosystems—where it can take hundreds of years to break down.The solution: Repurpose offers compostable alternatives made from plant-based materials, designed to break down in industrial composting environments. By rethinking everyday items like cutlery, cups, and plates, the company reduces reliance on fossil-fuel-based plastics and helps shift consumption toward more regenerative systems.This conversation dives into the pursuit for real impact, how curiosity and conviction can shape an entirely new category, and how being a first mover in sustainable materials can be both an advantage and a challenge—while building a business that pushes consumers and systems to change.RepurposeYoutube Episode