US-based TerraCycle was founded in 2001 by Tom Szaky. It manufactures a wide range of products from waste, and its turnover in 2010 (calendar year) was $13.3m, on which it made just under $500,000 (£324,000) pretax profit. "By using rubbish, a company keeps its costs low, enabling it to offer eco-friendly products at a competitive price while turning a profit," Szaky says. "The manufacturing process involved in upcycling tends to be less energy intensive, saving manufacturing costs. "Also key is our partnering with major corporations such as Danone, Kenco, BIC and Johnson & Johnson. This enables us to secure a consistent and reliable raw material source and helps immensely to market our products and collection programmes."