Reusable packaging startup Bold Reuse is expanding its reach once again with another high profile Portland partnership.
The startup has a pilot program with the Oregon Convention Center to manage reusable trays for select restaurants and cafes within the venue. It’s a similar program to the one the company has with the Moda Center.
In both cases, consumers are asked to drop trays, which are clearly marked for reuse, in a collection bin. Bold Reuse then collects the trays and takes them to a warehouse for cleaning and sanitizing. The trays are then brought back to the venue for reuse.
The convention center is billed by Bold Reuse on a per-use basis, the company said. Usage and the amount of packaging diverted from waste streams will depend on event attendance.
"Our collaboration with the Oregon Convention Center underscores the critical importance of reuse in advancing our shared vision of achieving zero waste and carbon neutrality," said Heather Watkins, chief revenue officer and co-founder of Bold Reuse in a written statement.
As a result of this program and others, the company expects to double its capacity at its Southeast Portland warehouse and add to the 10-member team, said spokesperson Mya Manibusan.
The company also launched a program this year with New Seasons to test reusable glass packaging with several local food manufacturers. With that program, returned bottles and jars are cleaned and sanitized and returned to manufactures.
Bold Reuse is backed by Seattle-based Mastersfund and Boston-based MPactful Ventures. The company was also the Early Stage winner at the 2022 Oregon Entrepreneurs Network’s Entrepreneurship Awards.
