Exploring Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Franchises for World Environment Day

Green in more ways than one — these top franchises are saving the planet and making a profit.

By Luca Piacentini1851 Franchise Managing Editor

7:07AM • 07/23/24

The world is getting smarter (in some ways), and so, too, are businesses. As environmental awareness continues to grow, more entrepreneurs are looking for opportunities to invest in businesses that not only generate profit but also positively impact the planet. The franchise industry has responded with a variety of eco-friendly options.

Here are four franchisors who have found innovative and sustainable ways to build successful businesses and help others do the same.

Fibrenew

Unit Count: 260
Investment Range: $87,000 - $101,000

Specializing in the repair, restoration and renewal of leather, plastics, vinyl, fabric and upholstery, Fibrenew offers a sustainable alternative to replacing damaged materials. According to EPA reports, 12 million tons of furniture end up in landfills each year, making it the most voluminous item discarded. By repairing instead of replacing, Fibrenew helps reduce that waste. As a franchise opportunity, the brand offers a simple, mobile-based business with unique processes, products and services that cannot be outsourced or replaced by AI.

“We have calculated that we prevent about 91,000 dumpster bins' worth of junk from ending up in landfills annually,” Fibrenew President Jesse Johnstone told 1851. “The restoration work we do also reduces the need for new manufacturing, which involves extensive resources. Our services are becoming increasingly in-demand as people seek not only eco-friendly options but also ways to save time and money. The business potential for green franchises is expanding, and our year-over-year growth is a testament to this trend.”

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

Unit Count: 344
Investment Range: $123,600 to $139,250

Founded from a commitment to safety and sustainability, Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions offers innovative services to manage fryer oil and cooking oil filtration for commercial businesses worldwide. The brand’s services help reduce the environmental impact of waste oil, which can be repurposed into biodiesel. Services are generally required on a weekly basis, which means franchisees can count on dependable and predictable revenue as they grow their businesses. The brand, which ranked No. 266 on the 2024 Franchise 500, services more than 8,500 customers every single week in a variety of industries.

Preservan Wood Rot Repair

Unit Count: 5
Investment Range: $81,400 to $130,000

Preservan is a home services franchise that specializes in using epoxy resins to treat, repair and eliminate wood rot. With a philosophy of repair over replacement, the franchise utilizes a proprietary resin repair system that can restore rotting and deteriorating wood, carving out a unique niche with a heavy focus on windows, doors and architectural wood restoration. The brand's strategy involves identifying areas with significant environmental needs and historic structures.

“The story of our brand was built out of a commitment to our family, our neighbors, our community and our planet,” founder Ty McBride told 1851 Franchise. “Our service is environmentally-friendly and sustainable just by the nature of what we do. We save the future by preserving the past. We want to make our built environments last longer. That impacts our planet for the better by using less resources.”

The franchise can be operated from home or on-the-go and can be done by just one technician, which eliminates the costs required to open a physical location or hire additional staff. As part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability, each Preservan franchise owner works alongside 1% For the Planet, a global network of thousands of businesses and environmental organizations that donate one percent of all revenue to environmental causes. There are also no wasteful, fuel-burning trips to the home center or lumber yard; Preservan franchise owners drive fuel-efficient Kias and produce less than one pound of landfill waste per job.

Clothes Bin

Unit Count: 40
Investment Range: $129,270 to $186,295

Clothes Bin has crafted an innovative and environmentally friendly business model that concentrates on gathering clothes and shoes for recycling. These items are either donated or sold, promoting a circular economy. Positioned in high-visibility, high-traffic areas such as shopping centers, gas stations and schools, Clothes Bin's distinctive bright green bins make it easy for community members to contribute to reducing textile waste.

Clothes Bin helps to lessen the environmental impact of the fashion industry, which is known for its significant greenhouse gas emissions. According to the EPA, the average U.S. citizen throws away around 70 pounds of clothing and other textiles annually, which is why clothing waste occupies approximately 5% of all landfill space. While the clothing recycling industry recycles 3.8 billion pounds of clothing waste annually, a whopping 85% of all clothing waste is still contributed to landfills.

Clothes Bin offers franchisees a semi-absentee business model that allows for flexible scheduling and operational ease. The bins operate continuously 24/7/365 and franchisees also have the opportunity to review their bins' performance monthly and make necessary adjustments to maximize contributions.

Join the Green Revolution

For entrepreneurs interested in joining the green revolution, these franchises offer promising opportunities to own a business that aligns with environmental values. Each brand offers a unique way to contribute to sustainability, from reducing waste and energy consumption to promoting the use of renewable resources and eco-friendly products. As the demand for green solutions continues to rise, investing in an eco-friendly franchise could not only be a sound business decision but also a step towards a more sustainable future.

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