When Kirsten Quigley founded Lunchskins, her vision was clear: eliminate single-use plastic waste and create a household brand that resonates with families everywhere. Kirsten’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by her own everyday experiences, notably the waste created by packing her children’s lunches. Realizing a broader community shared her concerns, she founded Lunchskins to offer practical, sustainable alternatives that address these everyday environmental challenges.
Lunchskins began with reusable sandwich and snack bags designed to replace disposable plastic bags, swiftly evolving into a brand recognized for environmental innovation developing recyclable and compostable food storage products. Quigley reflects, “The most meaningful businesses often start with solving small, everyday problems.” Today, Lunchskins products are found nationwide, preventing billions of plastic bags from ending up in oceans and landfills.
Kirsten’s emphasis on authenticity, accountability and community has naturally aligned Lunchskins with B Corp values, leading to the company’s certification. “Becoming a B Corp wasn’t about checking boxes—it’s why we exist as a brand and reaffirms that our values and best practices guide innovation and ensure a positive impact,” Kirsten notes. This certification underscores Lunchskins’ commitment to environmental stewardship, transparency in supply chains, and a corporate culture rooted in care and responsibility.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. Quigley openly shares about navigating the complexities of sustainable manufacturing, particularly in managing cost versus impact. “Sustainability isn’t always the cheapest route,” she says, “but staying true to our mission has built invaluable trust with customers.” Her steadfastness demonstrates how purpose-driven leadership can drive both success and substantial change.
Balancing sustainability with business practicality requires constant innovation and strategic decision-making. Quigley explains how Lunchskins continually assesses materials and production processes to reduce environmental impacts without sacrificing product function or affordability. “We frequently revisit our practices, seeking new technologies or partnerships that help us become both more sustainable and economically viable,” she states. This iterative approach not only enhances Lunchskins’ product offerings but also exemplifies a model for other businesses navigating similar complexities.
Lunchskins has also resonated deeply with consumers, especially parents striving to instill responsible practices in the next generation. By embedding values of conservation and sustainability into everyday routines, Lunchskins reinforces the critical message that small daily actions collectively lead to significant positive outcomes.
Looking ahead, Kirsten is excited about Lunchskins’ ongoing growth as the company expands its product offerings, seeking innovative approaches to enhance sustainability and minimize environmental impact on a larger scale. “We’re always looking ahead to see what’s missing in the marketplace and how we can fill that void with smart meaningful solutions,” she shares, highlighting an unwavering commitment to innovation.
Reflecting subtly on the significance of March as Women’s History Month and B Corp Month, Kirsten acknowledges the inspiring wave of women-led businesses joining the sustainability movement. “It’s rewarding to see diverse leadership increasingly guide purpose-driven businesses that use their platform as a force for good,” Kirsten remarks, adding that she hopes Lunchskins continues to inspire future entrepreneurs to pursue their visions for a healthier planet.
Kirsten Quigley’s journey with Lunchskins exemplifies how clear purpose, innovative solutions, and a commitment to positive impact can transform simple ideas into powerful change.