Innovation

Thrive's innovation is a regenerative business model which encompasses using plant-based ingredients, native to Costa Rica, that have medicinal properties for skincare. Thrive employs women coop leaders and create regenerative farming practices, while following a land healing structure.

The innovation started by a vision of entrepreneurs including the CEO Alex McIntosh.

The creation of Thrive's innovation can be attributed to its founders: CEO Alex McIntosh. He was formerly working on big conservation projects in the world, but he realized that he was in need of creating a business that is based on benefits for the environment and for the people. With Edna Botanists from Costa Rica, they made it into a practical project by connecting with local farmers here in Costa Rica that were open to transform their practices into more beneficial practices for the environment

As the main banner on the company website presents: “THRIVE REGENERATES YOUR SKIN, OUR PLANET, AND LOCAL FARMER COMMUNITIES.” By implementing regenerative agricultural practices, they regenerate land and enhance biodiversity, which in turn nurtures the community through improved livelihoods.

Quotes from the interview that describe the innovation

"I feel the innovation is using ingredients that come from native plants that while they are growing, they are benefiting the ecosystems."

"We're going to be creating products that come from a benefit to the environment, a benefit to people. And that's one point of innovation that we are having in this company, by producing, healing the land."

Inspiration

The motivation to benefit both the environment and people significantly influenced their approach. Gustavo mentions the influence of Alex McIntosh, the CEO, who "realized that he was a need of creating a business based on benefit for the environment and for people." Showing his shift from his previous conventional conservation projects to a more sustainable business that helped people and the environment simultaneously highlights a shift from conventional conservation projects to a more holistic, sustainable business model that addresses environmental and social needs.

Overall impact

The business impact that was created by the innovation was that these skincare products are truly made naturally for a healthy, natural, and affordable skin care product. Having a growing consumer brand to follow their ethically produced goods.

On a societal level, the innovation has provided local farmers with an alternative source of income by promoting diverse agricultural practices and better-than-fair-trade wages, as described by Rojas.

Environmentally, Thrives regenerative practices have led to the restoration of degraded lands in Costa Rica. By reintroducing native plants that are beneficial to the ecosystem, the company is helping to restore soil health and biodiversity. This not only supports the growth of their skincare ingredients but also contributes to the larger ecological stability of the regions they operate in.

Business benefit

Use of native plants not only appeals to consumers seeking eco-friendly and health-conscious products but also strengthens the brand's commitment to environmental responsibility. This unique selling point helps Thrive stand out in a crowded market, likely enhancing customer loyalty and potentially leading to market growth. Additionally, their regenerative practices have fostered a positive brand image, which is increasingly important to consumers.

Social and environmental benefit

Thrive Natural Care's regenerative agricultural practices confer profound benefits to both society and the environment. By partnering with local farmers and fostering the growth of native plants, they help restore ecological balance and biodiversity, improving soil health and aiding in carbon sequestration.

Interview

Gustavo Rojas, Director of the Regenerative Operations