Core Disciplines: Entrepreneurship & Innovation; Marketing/Sales; Strategy & Management; Sustainability
DESCRIPTION: TerraCycle was founded in 2002 by Tom Szaky, a 20-year-old Princeton University dropout. The company’s flagship product, TerraCycle Plant Food, is liquefied worm poop made from worm-processed organic waste and packaged in reused soda bottles, many of which are collected in fund raising efforts by school children and non-profit groups. Today, TerraCycle is facing its most challenging and exciting hurdles yet. This case introduces students to the concepts of ecocapitalism and the triple bottom line, explores the evolution of the company’s business model and growth strategy and asks students to ponder what the future holds for TerraCycle’s triple bottom line business model.
TEACHING POINTS: "This case study can be used to: Introduce the concept of eco-capitalism and the triple bottom line business model.Introduce the concept of upcycling, and its differences in comparison to recycling.Discuss TerraCycle's business model and growth strategy and its “branded waste” strategy. Identify TerraCycle's core competency."
Secondary Tags: Business and Society; Consumer Products; Government & Policy Sales Rank: #295