Kate Bezar of Better Packaging Co. has been named as one of this year’s Meaningful Business 100 (MB100), among a global group of leaders combining profit and purpose to tackle the world’s most pressing issues.

The 5th edition of the award, announced today, recognises social entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and impact investors whose work supports the UN Global Goals.

The winners come from 39 countries and were chosen from over 800 nominees in key industries, including technology, healthcare, financial services, recycling, education and agriculture.

The year-round MB100 programme, supported by EY, Hogan Lovells and Babson College, is designed to help these inspiring leaders increase their positive impact through pro bono services, tailored workshops, expert mentorship, storytelling and exclusive networking opportunities.

Commenting on the 2023 MB100, Founder & CEO, Meaningful Business Tom Lytton-Dickie said, “Congratulations to Kate Bezar whose work at Better Packaging Co. is an inspiration to us all. We are at a critical juncture in the 2030 agenda and there is a lot of work to be done in order to achieve the Global Goals. Leaders like Kate provide a benchmark in the profit and purpose space, and we look forward to supporting their work as they continue to scale and make a substantial difference.”

Bezar explains, “Better Packaging Co.’s mission is to use packaging to combat pollution, poverty and climate change. We are proud to be proof that profit and purpose can go hand in hand. I am thrilled to receive recognition as part of this year’s MB100 of our continued impact towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

As one of the MB100 judges, EY Global Entrepreneurship Leader, Stasia Mitchell added, “Well done to the MB100 class of 2023! It is inspiring to see such strong and impactful social entrepreneurs, sustainability leaders and impact investors— from over 800 nominations— who are striving to unite purpose and profit to help achieve the UN Global Goals. I look forward to seeing how they continue to disrupt the status quo and build a better working world.”

Following a global nomination process, the award was judged by a panel of 29 experts, including Amini Kajunju, COO, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center; Matthias Stausberg, Group Advocacy Director, Virgin; Nikhil Seth, Assistant Secretary-General, UN & Executive Director, UNITAR; Shaun Seow, MD, Investments, Temasek; and Stasia Mitchell, EY Global Entrepreneurship Leader, each nominee was scored across five key areas: Durability, Impact, Innovation, Leadership and Scope.