Innovation

An idea was conceived in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2018. Isabel Aagaard, Nicolas Aagaard, and Kre Frandsen decided to leave their boring careers for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. They set out to create something new, motivated by a desire to safeguard the environment and assist the international community. They continued daily brainstorming, sketching, and fabrication until they came up with the ideal concept: the LastSwap. LastSwap is an eco-friendly and reusable alternative to cotton swabs. The LastSwab is simple to use and is easily cleaned with soap and water. This product can be utilized one thousand times before being disposed of. It is durable and environmentally and consumer-safe. This simple, high-quality, and ingenious solution overcomes the problem of single-use plastics.

More than 500 billion single-use cotton swabs are used every year. These products are manufactured, packaged, shipped, and delivered with the singular intention of being used once and then thrown away. It is an egregious and irresponsible use of resources for a singular application. Single-use plastics pollute our ecosystems, endanger wildlife, and contribute to the climate crisis. LastObject is offering a solution. It provides sustainable consumption and production patterns, combats climate change, and protects our oceans, seas, and marine resources. For example, the LastSwap is made from recycled ocean-bound plastics (OBP). OBP is plastic that is at risk of ending up in the ocean. The organization, Ocean Bound Plastic, estimates that OBPs generate 80% of plastic marine litter.

Since 2018, LastObject has continued to grow and has developed three other products: LastRound, LastTissue, and LastMask. All items provide a sustainable alternative to everyday products. This is just the beginning. LastObject wants to keep growing, reaching more people, making new technologies, and cleaning up the world to make the future better.

Inspiration

"My parents are entrepreneurs," stated Aagaard. "I was taught from a very young age the ins and outs of a successful venture. So, I was never afraid to start my own company. It actually would have been weird if I hadn’t started my own company. "

Aagaard’s parents instilled in her the work ethic and strength to pave her own way in the world. She knew she wanted to build her own business and create something that would last, something people would like. When she started this endeavor with her brother and friend, they didn’t necessarily know what they wanted to make. Initially, they designed multiple prototypes for different products that never came to fruition. Until one day, Aagaard and her partners began researching the adverse effects of ocean pollutants on the environment, biodiversity, and human life. Aagaard and the other cofounders set out to fix this problem by making real change after they realized how bad it was for society.

Aagaard went on to say, "I always wanted to create something sustainable and human. To design with people in mind, making items that are not only environmentally friendly but useful. I also wanted to help people. That starts with my employees. I strived to create open, fun, and collaborative work environment while encouraging my team to have a workplace balance. Always putting the planet and people before everything else. That is my mission."

There was initial opposition. The novel idea of washing and reusing personal hygiene goods made consumers uneasy. People considered that reusing a soiled object was neither hygienic nor natural. The acceptance of trash production has been embedded in our culture. One-time use things were not considered wasteful but rather practical. Thankfully, there has been a significant push for sustainable activities in recent years. Increasing numbers of individuals are coming to comprehend the catastrophic effects of climate change. People are intrigued and motivated by Last Object's dedication to offering exceptional products that aid in the preservation of the planet.

Overall impact

LastObject has already had a significant impact on the global community. Through its efforts, it has eliminated more than 3.4 million pounds of waste and 3 billion single-use items. It has also been able to stop more than 305 thousand pounds of plastic from entering the ocean through its strategic partnerships with Ocean Bound Plastic and Plastic for Change. For example, 60 tons of plastic were removed from various coastlines around the world by Plastic for Change. Additionally, LastObject uses 10 tons of ocean-bound plastic to create its products. Moreover, LastObject recognizes the pernicious effects of carbon emissions on global warming and has since prevented more than 3,000 tons of carbon from entering the atmosphere by using plastic materials that require less energy to produce, thereby lowering the carbon dioxide emissions. Lastly, LastObject reached more than 90,000 people with educational posts about how harmful single-use products are and why it's important to reuse things for a better future.

In the long run, LastObject hopes to inspire societal change. As previously mentioned, people were hesitant to buy reusable objects. However, there has been a slight shift in priorities. People are concerned about the planet's environmental condition, and customers care about corporate social responsibility. They support environmentally conscious companies as they align with consumer values. Even legislators are changing as new laws continue to ban single-use plastics in different parts of the world.

Ultimately, LastObject does wish to venture into other categories, including traditional beauty products, home goods, and kitchenware. It hopes to continue to educate others on the harmful effects of single-use plastics, expand its enterprise, and cultivate new goals to clean up the planet.

Business benefit

“Business is good,” stated Aagaard when asked about the company’s financial performance. “I’m proud to have created something that helps the world and is financially successful. Earning money is fun and rewarding, especially since I’m making money doing something I love. Money is also a great indicator of performance. It gives us a direction and opens our company to more opportunities.”

LastObject started as a small Kickstarter campaign that has since flourished into a successful global business that ships to the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Hong Kong. Due to this success, LastObject has received additional funding from various sources, allowing them to expand operations further. With profits and additional funding rolling in, LastObject can hire more staff and dedicate more resources to marketing and research, and development.

However, even with this monetary success, Aagaard noted that “… we are still a small company. We must choose what we think will be most valuable and effective for our operation in the short and long term. Large companies can afford to do it all, but we must be more strategic with our money and make the most out of every decision.”

LastObject has been featured in numerous positive publications, including Buzzfeed, The Guardian, The New York Post, Good Morning America, WWD, and Gadget Flow. The award has aided in the dissemination of LastObject's mission and values to new audiences, hence enhancing all business endeavors. In addition, products on LastObject's website had an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 in 2021. Additionally, one in five consumers has three or more LastObject goods in their home. These results indicate the overall quality of the merchandise and the emergence of brand-loyal consumers. These consumers are crucial to LastObject's future success, especially if the company decides to expand its product line.

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Social and environmental benefit

LastObject is revolutionizing the disposable goods market. They offer eco-friendly alternatives to commonplace things in an effort to clean up the globe. As global citizens, it is our duty to preserve a healthy living environment for future generations through preserving the Earth. LastObject recognizes this reality and provides a remedy. It produces items that people need and desire while protecting and preserving the environment. Plastic is removed from our streams, coasts, and oceans. It promotes sustainable consumption patterns by promoting reusability. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable sourcing. Through its social media platforms, it informs audiences of the threat posed by the climate crisis and takes steps to reduce its inevitable effects. These initiatives have a positive impact on society and the environment. LastObject provides solutions and produces the necessary tools for a greener future. Now it is up to us to choose to change.

Aagaard concluded the interview by stating, "The purpose of my company is to provide sustainable choices. I stand by my products and encourage others to live sustainably."

Interview

Isabel Aagaard, Cofounder of LastObject