Local Startup Eco-Baggeez Shifts Business Plan and Donates Product amid COVID-19

Close to 325,000 Bags Already Donated to Local Schools and Community Centers

Eco-Baggeez, LLC is an earth friendly alternative to plastic sandwich bags and made 100% in the USA; in Oneida to be exact. The startup began production in June of 2019 and started seeing success right away. Unfortunately, as COVID-19 hit, the company’s business plan and goals for 2020 went out the window. Eco-Baggeez had to figure out how to redirect focus while maintaining the core values of the company, and fast.

“We planned new company missions and plans for 2020 and the next five years, which look really different than the plan we had in 2019,” said Beth Race, CEO of Eco-Baggeez. “Our first order of business was getting involved and helping wherever we could in our community.”

Since March, Eco-Baggeez has helped 34 local schools as well as the Samaritan Center and the Salvation Army by donating close to 325,000 bags. The bags are recyclable, resealable, renewable and responsible. Schools have been using them to supply children and adults with to-go lunches. The company recently partnered with Renzi Foods to help distribute to more schools faster as well.

“We were astounded by the undeniable need for help that schools have,” explained Race. “Their funds have not increased during this time, and yet they have an unexpected need that is pretty staggering in its scope.”

Eco-Baggeez plans to continue to help communities and schools throughout the crisis. The startup is also taking this time to build more relationships that they didn’t have time for before. They have begun working with others in a non-competitive environment to create more personal business relationships. Lastly, the company wants to get their house back in order and continue to rework their business plan and financial pro forma. They want to let potential investors know the new plan.

Race explained, “We fully intend to continue to donate while the pandemic continues. While there is such a need, we can't turn our backs on the very thing our product is designed to do: transport food for children and adults. It's a natural solution.”

Eco-Baggeez is currently a member at The Tech Garden and enrolled in its Innovation Hot Spot Program. The program provides five years of corporate personal income and sales tax incentives to qualifying companies. The companies receive entrepreneurial services during their enrollment through The Tech Garden such as resources, events and additional funding programs. To learn more visit, www.thetechgarden.com.
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Eco-Baggeez are produced in Oneida by Alternatives Industry — a business division of The Arc of Madison Cortland that trains and employs adults with disabilities. They are currently sold in 32 locations across New York State. It is locally available in the Syracuse area at Natur-Tyme; Green Planet; Nichols; Green Hills; and Half Moon Bakery. The company hopes to expand to new states later this year. To learn more about the company visit www.eco-baggeez.com or contact Beth Race, CEO, at [email protected].

About Eco-Baggeez:
Eco-Baggeez are an earth friendly alternative to plastic sandwich bags that have a resealable flap - making them work a lot like a plastic sandwich bag only they are better for the environment. The new product provides consumers with a high quality, green alternative to traditional plastic sandwich and snack bags. Unlike other alternatives, Eco-Baggeez contain no plastic or petroleum-based products of any kind and are microwaveable. The recyclable and compostable paper bags are made out of 100 percent sustainable products that are sourced and manufactured in the United States.