Top 10 Sustainability Entrepreneurs Changing the World
Sustainability is reshaping consumer behaviour – 46% are buying more eco-friendly products to reduce their impact, and over 80% are willing to pay more for sustainably sourced goods. As climate challenges intensify, people are choosing purpose over convenience, fuelling a powerful shift toward responsible consumption and demanding real change from businesses worldwide.
What is Sustainable Entrepreneurship?
Sustainability entrepreneurship involves launching businesses that generate economic value while fostering social and environmental responsibility. Rather than focusing solely on profit, these entrepreneurs aim to balance financial success with positive impact. Their ventures often integrate circular economy principles, ethical labour standards, and environmentally conscious practices, such as using sustainable materials and reducing carbon emissions. These businesses, ranging from clean tech to sustainable agriculture, resonate with a growing base of mindful consumers, and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Sources: London School of Business Administration & Forbes
Why is Sustainability Good for Business?
Sustainability is crucial for modern business success. As consumers and investors become more environmentally conscious, businesses that embrace sustainable practices stand out. These initiatives enhance brand reputation, attract loyal customers, and foster employee retention. Sustainability also signals long-term viability and can provide a competitive edge. Beyond ethical benefits, it offers cost savings and long-term financial advantages. By prioritising sustainability, businesses demonstrate care for more than profits, creating a positive legacy and ensuring continued success in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
Source: Forbes
Who are the Top Entrepreneurs Changing the World with Sustainable Business!
Based on opinion polls conducted across 154 sustainability-themed events between 2022 and 2024, The Sustainability Speakers Agency has compiled a list of the Top Sustainable Entrepreneurs to Hire for 2025.
- Pierre Paslier
- Richard Reed & Jon Wright
- Amrit Chandan
- Charlot Magayi
- Craig Sams
- Sarah Ratty
- Kaushik Kappagantulu
- Dr Cosimo Maria Palopoli
- JB Straubel
- Charlie Szoradi
Pierre Paslier
Pierre Paslier is the co-founder and CEO of Notpla, a pioneering company offering sustainable packaging solutions made from seaweed and plants. His innovative work addresses the global plastic crisis, with Notpla’s biodegradable products offering a natural alternative to plastic. Awarded an Earthshot Prize for his efforts in waste reduction, Pierre has had a significant impact on sustainable design. His expertise in packaging and design makes him a sought-after speaker, offering valuable insights into solving the climate crisis through sustainable innovation.
Richard Reed & Jon Wright
Richard Reed and Jon Wright are celebrated sustainable entrepreneurs, best known as Co-Founders of Innocent Drinks. From a humble market stall, they built Europe’s leading smoothie brand, driven by ethical values and environmental responsibility. Pioneering innovations like 100% recycled plastic bottles and sourcing local ingredients, they placed sustainability at the heart of business success. Both continue to inspire through Jam Jar Investments, backing eco-conscious start-ups like Graze and Deliveroo. Their leadership, from launching The Innocent Foundation to influencing corporate sustainability strategies, marks them as influential voices in green business. Their legacy proves profit and purpose can go hand in hand.
Amrit Chandan
Amrit Chandan is a pioneering entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and CEO of Aceleron, a UK-based company focused on sustainable and reusable battery solutions. A recognised leader in the field, Amrit has been named on Forbes 30 Under 30 and awarded for his contributions to engineering and sustainability. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and has worked with TATA Motors and Cenex on low-carbon technologies. Through Aceleron, Amrit is tackling battery waste in the electric vehicle industry by advancing lithium-ion batteries for the circular economy. His innovative approach and partnerships, such as with the Shell Foundation, aim to preserve global resources for future generations.
Charlot Magayi
Charlot Magayi is a remarkable social entrepreneur and the founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves. Growing up in one of Nairobi’s largest slums, she witnessed the harmful impact of charcoal cooking on both health and the environment. Motivated by a personal tragedy, she created an innovative stove that significantly reduces pollution, using alternative materials like biomass. In 2022, Charlot won the Earthshot Prize, highlighting her commitment to tackling climate change. With a vision to reach millions, she continues to lead in sustainable innovation. Charlot is a respected sustainability speaker, dedicated to promoting eco-friendly solutions and advocating for a cleaner, greener future.
Craig Sams
Craig Sams is a prominent sustainable entrepreneur, known for co-founding Green & Black’s, the world’s first Fair Trade-certified organic chocolate brand. His entrepreneurial journey began with a vision for a macrobiotic restaurant and later expanded to ethical fashion and organic food. A passionate advocate for sustainability, equality, and climate change, he co-founded several eco-conscious businesses, including Carbon Gold Ltd and Judges Bakery. His dedication to promoting organic and Fair Trade products has made a significant impact on the food industry. As a speaker, he shares his extensive knowledge on sustainability, offering valuable insights into ethical business practices.
Sarah Ratty
Sarah Ratty is a leading sustainable entrepreneur and a pioneering force in the fashion industry. As the Sustainable Fashion Creative Mentor at the Creative Mentor Network, she has been instrumental in integrating sustainability into design. In the 1990s, she founded Conscious Earthwear, an eco-friendly fashion label, making her a trailblazer in sustainable fashion. Later, she established Ciel, an award-winning eco-fashion brand. Ratty’s innovative use of sustainable materials and eco-conscious luxury has garnered global recognition, with collaborations with brands like Whistles and Dr. Martens. Her work has been showcased at prestigious venues, and she is a sought-after speaker advocating for a greener future in fashion.
Kaushik Kappagantulu
Kaushik Kappagantulu, Co-founder and CEO of Kheyti, is a distinguished sustainability entrepreneur, recognised for his innovative Greenhouse-in-a-box. This award-winning solution, which won the Earthshot Prize in 2022, helps small-scale farmers reduce climate risks, conserve resources, and increase yields. By cutting water usage by 98% and boosting crop output seven-fold, it supports the poorest farmers facing unpredictable weather and droughts. With over 12 years of experience in social enterprises, Kaushik has previously scaled B-Able, a social initiative for school dropouts. An IIT Kharagpur graduate and Columbia MBA holder, Kaushik’s work continues to transform rural communities in India.
Dr Cosimo Maria Palopoli
Dr Cosimo Maria Palopoli is an influential Italian entrepreneur, renowned for co-founding IUV, a company dedicated to creating sustainable, biodegradable packaging for the food, beverage, and packaging industries. With a background in Food Technology and Science, Dr Cosimo’s innovation in biopolymers has significantly advanced sustainability. Recognised globally, including by Forbes 30 Under 30, Dr Cosimo’s work has earned him numerous accolades, positioning him as a leading figure in sustainability and a key driver of a greener, more sustainable future.
JB Straubel
JB Straubel, co-founder of Tesla Inc., is a leading entrepreneur in sustainability, renowned for his work in renewable energy and waste solutions. As the CEO of Redwood Materials, which he founded in 2017, Straubel focuses on large-scale lithium-ion battery recycling. His innovative approach tackles e-waste by designing environmentally conscious processes for recycling and remanufacturing. A former CTO at Tesla, Straubel played a crucial role in developing the company’s battery technology and the Gigafactory. With a deep commitment to climate action, he continues to shape the future of sustainability through his businesses and as an influential speaker, promoting corporate responsibility and innovation.
Charlie Szoradi
Charlie Szoradi is a leading sustainability entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in high-performance architecture, sustainable living, and next-gen agriculture. Founder of award-winning organisations like GREENandSAVE and Independence LED Lighting, he has pioneered cost-effective, clean-tech solutions. His work on LED lighting earned the Green Business of the Year Award, and his insights have been featured by top institutions like Wharton and the Green Building Council. As an author and speaker, Charlie’s expertise drives global sustainability advancements, making him a top entrepreneur in the field.
Hire a Top Sustainability Entrepreneur Today!
If you’re interested in bringing one of our top sustainability entrepreneurs to speak at your next event, don’t hesitate to reach out today! Contact us by calling 02039355587 or by filling out our online contact form.
- Top 10 Lists
- 25 June, 2025
