We are a partnership of two well-traveled, environmentally aware people, Michael Chizzoniti and Charlotte Trigg. Through a determined mission, want to raise awareness about and provide useful plant based takeaway beverage cups to the nation.
We are proud to be one of the first companies to bring bagasse based cups to New Zealand.
THE ROOTS
Michael has had over 12 years experience in the service industry. Starting young, at 8 years old, he sold his dad’s coffee, door-to-door. Through the years he proved himself through the success of his café in Melbourne. Afterwards, moving on to become a highly skilled barista trainer.
With a determination to step outside his comfort zone, and to expand his knowledge, he grabbed a backpack and journeyed around Europe and UK. On his return, he traveled the North and South islands of New Zealand, and it was through this journey he witnessed alarming waste levels; not only in NZ but also across the globe.
Tree Free NZ is a change of direction based on experiences in the above industries and witnessing waste levels at a shocking rate.
Charlotte has had over 13 years experience in the service industry. During that period, she briefly converted to retail management for a telecommunications company in London UK.
Since then, Charlotte has lived in countries over Europe, Australia and finally settling in New Zealand. Also having worked in various environments and job roles from; events manager, spirulina harvester, PA to a director of a global business, underwater ceramics technician (dishy!!)
The variety of experience with people and skills, and with the knowledge gained by working in the service industry, it has provided insight into the world of waste and how we can harness the power of plants for a greener alternative in takeaway packaging.
The connection is clear for us, we must start at something basic, essential to the nation: takeaway cups from an eco-friendly material.
THE SEEDS
On growing our Tree Free NZ business we decided that our philosophy to keep New Zealand green and ahead of the game in eco-packaging would also mean that we have to be true to our beliefs in all aspects of our business.
Where we can, we try to source alternative paper for our offices and business cards. All aspects of our cups are non-toxic. Through our use of alternative papers we aim to save trees, reduce waste to landfill and explore and educate about greener options.
We are also working with local business and groups to decrease rubbish to landfill and research alternative options for waste disposal.
Thank you for hearing our story.
