Basel, (January 9, 2024) – SapoCycle, the non-profit organization that recycles discarded soaps from hotels, has reached an important milestone by opening its first social franchise in Germany. This marks a significant step forward in its geographical expansion plan.
SapoCycle, founded in 2014 in Switzerland and established in France in 2018, is committed to collecting used hotel soaps, which are then recycled into high-quality soaps and distributed free of charge to people in need. Recycling is carried out by adults with disabilities under safe and stable working conditions. SapoCycle’s unique approach helps reduce waste, improves hygiene, and promotes social integration in the labor market.
Why a social franchise to replicate the program?
Social franchising is the use of a commercial franchise approach to replicate and share proven organizational models for greater social impact. There are a number of factors that differentiate social franchise systems from the commercial sector. It is primarily the social impact or mission of the organization that is at the origin of the relationship and not the financial motivation.
SapoCycle’s project is to replicate the Bubbles Saving Lives program, already successful in Switzerland (2014) and France (2018), in new countries by adapting to the local context in the form of a social franchise. This model combines social impact with financial sustainability.
“In my role as founder and president of SapoCycle, I am thrilled to take this step with the establishment of SapoCycle Germany as our first social franchise. Crossing borders and building bridges has allowed us to share a model that works well with our neighbour to multiply the benefits of our three-pillar program,” said Dorothée Schiesser, President of SapoCycle. Dorothée Schiesser, President of SapoCycle. SapoCycle has secured funding from several Swss foundations to launch this ambitious program.
SapoCycle has secured funding from several Swiss foundations to launch this ambitious program.
SapoCycle and Roche’s Micro-Secondment Program
In 2021, SapoCycle partnered with Roche, the world’s largest biotechnology company and a global leader in diagnostics, as part of their Global Philanthropic Competency Sponsorship Program.
For six months, Emmanuelle Probst, Senior Head of Corporate Sustainability at Roche, supported SapoCycle in the development of a social franchise tool to support the organization in sharing its model.“Sharing my skills and experience through this skill-based sponsorship program has been one of the most sustainable ways to give back to the local community,” said Emma Probst, Senior Head of Corporate Sustainability at Roche. “I am thrilled that this collaboration has supported SapoCycle in its expansion and has had an even greater impact on our communities.”
This collaboration resulted in the creation of a social franchise guide that allowed SapoCycle to launch its first social franchise abroad.
Germany: SapoCycle’s first social franchise
SapoCycle Germany e.V. was founded in Grasbrunn in December 2023 as an association from a social franchise of its mother foundation SapoCycle. SapoCycle Germany has a positive impact on the environment as well as the community. Soaps are repurposed in Lebenshilfe Nürnberg, where adults with mental disabilities work. This partnership not only creates jobs, but also fosters the personal and professional development of these individuals in a supportive environment.
“We are delighted to continue our mission in Germany and contribute to the creation of a more sustainable and socially responsible hospitality industry, ” said Bernise Rivière, President of SapoCycle Germany e.V.
SapoCycle’s work has also been recognised and supported by various prestigious eco-quality labels such as GreenSign, EarthCheck, Green Key, Green Globe and myClimate. These awards highlight the organization’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the hospitality industry.
