A 23-year-old Saddleworth eco entrepreneur has capitalised on the long hours of lockdown to launch an environmentally friendly venture, EcoBox.

Armed with a passion for the environment and a desire to tap into the burgeoning UK subscription box market, EcoBox is the brainchild of Kate Barnfather.

EcoBox is aimed as those wanting to make a difference while enjoying opening a surprise package every month which is packed full environmentally friendly products.

Subscribers to EcoBox receive a box which contains eco-friendly health and beauty, home accessories, lifestyle and household products, and each month has a different theme.

EcoBox sent out its first deliveries to subscribers in December, with around 50 Christmas themed boxes being ordered for the festive season. January’s box, which is on sale now, has a ‘fresh face’ theme, and customers can also order February’s which will be full of Valentine goodies.

Kate, who combines her day job as a data analyst with launching EcoBox, is passionate about helping fellow entrepreneurs, many of whom have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic

EcoBox only deals with UK-based small, independent suppliers and all products are environmentally and ethically sourced.

All packaging is eco-friendly and made from sustainable materials. Boxes are recyclable, biodegradable and plastic free.

Prices start from £28 for a single box, while a six-month subscription costs £25.90 per box.

Kate is planning to expand EcoBox’s products to offer one-off themed boxes aimed at new mums, men and brides-to-be.

The subscription box market in the UK is growing fast. More than 1 in 4 Brits were subscribed to at least 1 box in 2018, and the market is estimated to grow by 77 per cent to be worth more than £1 billion by 2022.

It is a trend that Kate is keen to capitalise on, while supporting small, eco-friendly UK businesses by shining a light on exciting products which make it easier for consumers to go green.

Kate said: “Going green doesn’t necessarily mean making great gestures like buying a brand new all-electric car or costly solar panels. It starts with the little things in your home such as swapping single-use cotton pads for reusable, washable alternatives.

“We have spent several months sourcing our products and are confident our subscribers will love them. And, in these challenging times, who doesn’t want a surprise treat delivering to their door each month as we are increasingly stuck inside?

“The subscription box market is poised for huge growth and we believe EcoBox is well placed to benefit from this trend as we move to a greener and cleaner planet.”