When I started Zero Co, the mission was simple: make it easy for Australian homes to use less plastic. In 2024, that mission led us to make our boldest move yet—and honestly, one of the hardest decisions in our company's history.

Your impact in numbers.

Numbers tell stories. And these ones humble me every time I look at them:

  • 120,000+ Australian homes choosing better basics.
  • 45,002,344 water bottles' worth of ocean waste removed.
  • 221,665 first edition pouches cleaned and reused.

But beyond these numbers is something even more powerful: a community proving that meaningful change happens when we work together.

When data changed our course.

I've spent years—and more time, money and emotional energy than I can count—building what I thought was the perfect closed-loop system. I believed in it wholeheartedly. 

But the numbers told a different story. Only 42% of our first edition pouches were returned. That meant a growing carbon footprint and mounting shipping impact. What felt right in the beginning wasn't truly right for the planet.

These weren't just statistics. They were a call to action.

Finding a better way.

 

We spent 18 months searching globally for alternatives. Testing everything from seaweed to hemp, algae to aluminium. The answer wasn't in what felt good—it was in what actually worked.

That's how ForeverFill™ was born. A world-first paper-based refill system delivering:

  • 97% less plastic.
  • 75% less freight emissions.
  • 63% recycled FSC-certified materials.

We believe this solution sets a new standard in sustainability—a smarter way forward, built on better basics for people and the planet.

Real change isn't always easy.

Being first means facing first-of-its-kind challenges. The launch of ForeverFill™ has been a journey of growth, showing us the value of innovation, patience and refining our logistics to deliver your orders with care.

For those still waiting on orders: our team is working through the holidays to get your products to you. 

To everyone who's stuck with us through our challenges: your patience and understanding mean everything.

The planet can't wait for perfect solutions. It needs progress and bold action now.

Looking to 2025.

Our plan for the future is clearer than ever:

 


A thank you to our community.

2024 taught us what it truly means to be in this together. Your continued belief in our mission—even when we've stumbled—shows that working side-by-side really is the only way forward.

One person can't change the world, but together, we can—and we are.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has walked this path with us. For anyone thinking of joining, we’ll be ready when you are.

Here's to learning from 2024 and creating an even bigger impact in 2025.

Mike Smith

Founder, Zero Co.