Amazon has named five small businesses as the ecommerce giant’s inaugural “Products for Tomorrow,” a competition that launched this past summer with prizes including a $20,000 grant, guidance, assistance with sustainability certifications and product placement opportunities. The competition challenged U.S.-based businesses to submit products that drive sustainability through design, materials or chemistry.
The Products for Tomorrow winners are:
- Hai Showerhead, a smart-shower app-based system that relies on water-powered Bluetooth technology to provide hydrotherapy and track water usage;
- Blueland Laundry Set, a cleaning system that incorporates dry-form tablets made without potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, chlorine bleach or phthalates and packaged in an eco-friendlier tin. The system is EPA Safer Choice, Cradle to Cradle and Leaping Bunny certified;
- Unpaste, chewable teeth-cleansing tablets that turn into a paste and contain no preservatives, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium saccharin, artificial colors, aluminum or nanoparticles, and are sold in paper- and cornstarch-based packaging;
- Fend Foldable Bike Helmet, which is easily packed away when not in use but features a durable ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) shell, an ultralight PC (polycarbonate), high-impact absorbing EPS (expanded polystyrene ) core and integrated dial-fit system to promote commuting via biking, scooters and skateboards; and
- RunLessWire Smart Switch, wireless and battery-free light switches that are DIY and powered by kinetic energy, which yields a wall-permeating signal reaching 50 to 150 feet.
The winning products are shoppable on Amazon.com and through the recently launched Products for Tomorrow page. Each winner also received access to the Amazon Launchpad program, which helps emerging brands, entrepreneurs and startups overcome the challenges of launching new products.
Amazon has been increasing its commitment to support sustainable innovations. The company recently revealed that it would contribute $53 million to women entrepreneurs whose products combat climate change through a partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
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