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A fisherman supplier for SmartFish in Mexico

Social enterprises driving global change on World Food Day

Every year on 16 October, World Food Day highlights important topics such as food waste, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and the challenges faced by fishing communities — all in an effort to combat climate change. This year's theme is "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”. It's the perfect opportunity for us to shine a spotlight on the incredible efforts of social entrepreneurs, who are making everyday life better for so many people and how they're creating a more sustainable and inclusive world.

Okolo banner

Okolo

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Okolo provides reusable diapers designed for repeated use by families seeking alternatives to disposable diapers.

Single-use diapers are one of the biggest contributors to plastic waste globally: every minute more than 300,000 disposable diapers are incinerated, sent to landfills, and pollute the environment.
30%
Location
Colombia

Programme
South America Accelerator Programme
in partnership with NESsT

Website
www.okolo.com.co

Founded in 2021, Okolo produces reusable diapers and works to reduce dependence on disposable diaper products.

Okolo has developed a washable diaper that can be used up to 1,000 times. In the business's eight years of operation, Okolo has helped families reduce their reliance on disposable diapers through the use of reusable alternatives.

While traditional diapers contain harmful chemicals that can cause rashes and dermatitis, Okolo’s diapers feature a bamboo fiber inner layer, known for its hypoallergenic properties that are gentle on baby’s skin.

Conscious that the initial cost often prevents more people from opting to use reusable nappies, Okolo keeps product costs low by assembling its diapers locally, while supporting women textile workers over the age of 50. Of the 12,000 customers who use Okolo products, many are from low-income households seeking long-term savings compared with disposable diapers.

Okolo’s women-led team also runs a Brand Ambassador programme to drive engagement and sales while providing flexible income opportunities to its community of women – many of whom are on maternity leave or caring for their children at home. To date, the programme has supported 300 mothers from low-income families to increase their earnings by up to 50%.

At Okolo, we lead with the conviction that every small action matters in building a sustainable future. Our mission is to support the empowerment of communities by offering solutions that improve their quality of life while caring for the environment. With NESsT’s support, we are amplifying our positive impact and proving that out-sized change is possible when innovation and social responsibility go hand in hand.

- Okolo leadership team
Programme support

With NESsT and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship’s support, the enterprise aims to reach 100,000 families in Colombia and internationally over the next three years. Key areas of focus include strategies to develop new products tailored to the Colombian market, deepen engagement with current customers and attract new customers, including marketing towards fathers.

Okolo is well positioned to harness the potential of the growing global trend toward environmental care and child health, and we look forward to joining them in their journey.