Ecoswap - the pioneering platform set to transform the online gifting landscape by offering consumers improved access to sustainable gift choices - is celebrating a 130% increase in the number of brands who have joined the platform since its initial soft launch in September 2023.
The brainchild of Antony Gutsa (CEO) and Paul Zhu (CTO), Ecoswap already boasts a number of high-profile partners all of whom are able to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and who share the founders' vision to shift existing consumer online gift card buying habits. Of the nearly £4 billion spent every year in the UK on online gift cards (source:
The GCVA (Gift Card & Voucher Association) has is estimated that less than 1% of sales can currently be attributed to sustainably focused retailers. And with giants such as Amazon commanding 10% of the gift market but facing backlash for its failure to meet climate targets there is scope for a genuine online gift card service that rejects greenwashing tactics.
Add to this the reported appetite for sustainable products or services – Deloitte advises that nearly 40% of UK consumers opt for brands with environmentally sustainable practices / values (two in five Brits) and according to Vypr, 65% of consumers would be willing to pay a little bit more for food sustainable products (food and drink gifting is offered via Ecoswap) – and it is evident that there is a clear window of opportunity for a dedicated online sustainable gifting proposition.
The motivation behind the inception of Ecoswap is simply to provide consumers with a seamless pathway towards sustainable online gifting and follows Gutsa's personal negative experience of trying to find a gift for an eco-conscious friend during lockdown. The initiative also affords smaller, sustainable businesses with access to a national/international marketing platform (there are no sign up fees), enabling them to have a voice and stand-out against other heavyweight brands with dubious sustainability credentials but sizeable marketing budgets.
In addition, Ecoswap offers corporates the opportunity to purchase gifts which align with a company's ESG agenda. CEO Antony Gutsa says: “We're delighted with the rapid growth of Ecoswap but we are certainly not complacent.
“There is still much work to be done to ensure that sustainable gifting becomes accepted practice and enjoys a more sizeable share of the UK online gifting market. The only route to achieving this goal is by ensuring that consumers have access to a wide and varied choice of potential gifting partners, so we are heavily focused on introducing new brands / services to the platform on a regular basis.”
Partners who have joined Ecoswap are positive about their experience to date. Ethical Bedding CEO James Higgins: "Ethical Bedding is delighted to collaborate with Ecoswap in promoting sustainable living and ethical consumerism.
“Ecoswap's platform provides a valuable opportunity for us to connect with individuals seeking high-quality bedding products that are responsibly sourced and produced. Together, we're working towards a world where ethical choices are accessible to all."
Chief Operating Officer at Toast Brewery, Louisa Ziane, said: "At Toast Brewery, we're proud to partner with Ecoswap in their mission to promote sustainability and ethical consumption. Ecoswap's commitment to connecting consumers with eco-friendly brands aligns perfectly with our values, and we're excited to be part of their platform.
“Together, we can make a positive impact on the planet, one Toast at a time!" Flora Jetha, Affiliate and Partnerships Manager at Wild: "At Wild, we're passionate about creating natural and sustainable personal care products that are good for you and the planet.
“Partnering with Ecoswap allows us to reach a wider audience of eco-conscious consumers who prioritise ethical choices. Ecoswap's dedication to sustainability and transparency mirrors our own values, and we're thrilled to be part of their journey towards a greener future."
Ecoswap's operations are climate neutral, and the platform is powered by 100% renewable energy. The business uses Krystal as a hosting provider and has been approved for B-Corp status but due to the requirement for the company to have been trading for 12 months, the accreditation is currently still pending.
