Unwrapping Sustainability: A Dialogue with SuperBee's Visionary Antoinette Jackson

In a village outside of Chiang Mai, Thailand — nestled in the jungle — is the world headquarters of Superbee. Founded by Antoinette Jackson, the company is renowned for its high-quality, reusable beeswax wraps that serve as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Antoinette and get the Superbee story straight from the bee’s knees, so to speak.

When asked about what motivated or inspired her to launch Superbee, Antoinette lights up with a gleam in her eyes. She begins to tell her story.

“Witnessing the ecological disaster of our plastic-filled world inspired me to join a global cleanup effort…”

From the very beginning, Jackson explains, we aimed to provide alternatives to single-use plastic. They actively encouraged a paradigm shift in consumer habits towards sustainability. It worked.

“We've empowered people to reduce plastic in their homes.”

The SuperBee story is not only about progress but a clear evolution. What began as an environmental impact initiative has grown to encompass social justice.

"Initially an environmental impact business, SuperBee evolved to incorporate social impact by engaging with local villages and addressing social injustices," Antoinette explains.

This evolution marks a deepening of the brand's commitment to making a positive difference both environmentally and socially.

The culture at SuperBee is a manifestation of the team’s dedication, clear communication, and support. Sustainability is not just a policy but a way of life. Impressive stuff.

"A day at SuperBee involves a communal breakfast fostering a fun, friendly, yet efficient and organized environment," Antoinette says.

Achieving B Corp certification was a milestone for SuperBee, underscoring their commitment to rigorous social and environmental standards. The process involved assessing suppliers, calculating the carbon footprint, and understanding the growth of their social enterprise supply chain.

"Achieving B Corp certification was challenging; it required extensive documentation and a thorough examination of our impact." The company prioritizes upcycling, recycling, and a slow handmade process to reduce its carbon footprint. "Local suppliers and a regional customer base contribute to our commitment to sustainability," Antoinette highlights.

Among SuperBee's achievements, one stands out for its transformative power.

"A significant milestone was initiating our microfinancing project, offering interest-free loans to staff," Antoinette told me.

This initiative underscores the far-reaching impact of SuperBee's mission beyond environmental sustainability.

Through microfinancing, profit-sharing, and active involvement in projects like supporting local firefighters, SuperBee has established itself as a staunch advocate for sustainable practices. Collaborating with organizations like Green Peas, the company has broadened its impact, actively participating in volunteering efforts.

Despite the costs associated with promoting a lifestyle shift, SuperBee remains steadfast in its mission, hoping its innovative products will encourage positive environmental choices.

The main challenge lies in persuading consumers to adopt eco-friendly habits.

As you’d expect, ethical sourcing is a cornerstone of SuperBee's operations. "Rigorous scrutiny during the B Corp certification process confirmed our ethical sourcing," Antoinette says. The company maintains strict guidelines for suppliers, conducts assessments, and makes site visits to ensure alignment with its mission.

As the sun slowly sets outside Chiang Mai, I ask her what she sees for the future. What’s the plan?

Without a pause, she reaffirms the Superbee commitment to the earth, the community, and an ever-growing crowd of fans and fellow advocates.

There’s a can’t stop, won’t stop vibe to Superbee.

The Superbee story from kitchen table to successful social enterprise is threaded with passion, commitment, and innovation. It’s a good pattern.