In the crowded world of consumer packaged goods, few companies truly live their mission from the inside out.
Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages, founded in 2012 in Hilo, Hawai‘i, stands apart as one that does.
Co-founded by Ryan Emmons, his cousin Alex Preston, and friend Matt Meyer, the brand was built on a simple but revolutionary idea: great taste should never come at the planet’s expense.
From using 100% post-consumer recycled plastic to pioneering
OceanPlast®, a proprietary coastal recycling initiative, and creating the
Kōkua Initiative nonprofit to uplift local communities, Waiākea has become a model for what the next generation of sustainable businesses can be.
The company’s products, from its naturally alkaline volcanic water to its new coffee line, all flow from a foundation of respect for the land, its people, and a shared responsibility for the future.
We sat down with
Ryan Emmons, Co-Founder and CEO, to talk about the origins of Waiākea, the company’s
triple-bottom-line philosophy, and how it continues to redefine what it means to build a purpose-driven brand.
Full interview
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What is Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises?
Disruptors for GOOD is a podcast that showcases global social entrepreneurship and social enterprises committed to ethical fashion, impact investing, climate mitigation, sustainable travel, and businesses generating positive global impact. Through in-depth interviews, Grant Trahant, the founder of Causeartist, engages with innovative and impactful startups and brands worldwide.